Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide

Abstract

The successive steps in a cyclic system for electrolytically transforming manganous ores, soluble in dilute sulfuric acid, especially rhodochrosite, into manganese dioxide are described. A method of preparing and purifying the manganese sulfate electrolyte solution from rhodochrosite, including a flow sheet based on the operation of a pilot plant, is presented. Factors influencing current efficiency, voltage and energy consumption, and composition of the deposit are discussed. Data obtained from laboratory scale and pilot plant operations are given from which a factory cost may be estimated.