Process for the electrochemical production of sodium ferrate [fe(vi)]

Abstract

Described is an electrolytic process for producing sodium ferrate [Fe(VI)] in a membrane-type electrolysis cell. The anolyte chamber of the cell is charged with an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide and a sodium ferrate-stabilizing proportion of at least one sodium halide salt. The anolyte chamber additionally contains ferric ions [Fe(III)]. The catholyte chamber contains an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution during operation. The source of ferric ion in the anolyte may be either an iron-containing anode or at least one iron-containing compound present in the anolyte solution or both. The preferred membrane material for separating the anolyte chamber from the catholyte chamber is comprised of a gas- and hydraulic-impermeable, ionically-conductive, chemically-stable ionomeric film (e.g., a cation-exchange membrane) with carboxylic, sulfunic or other inorganic exchange sites. Sodium ferrate is prepared in the anolyte chamber by passing an electric current and impressing a voltage between the anode and cathode of the cell. Electrolysis causes the formation of sodium ferrate in the aqueous sodium hydroxide anolyte. This anolyte may be used directly (e.g., to treat waste-water streams) or reacted to produce potassium ferrate or alkaline earth metal ferrates. Sodium ferrate may alternatively be recovered as a solid from the anolyte by cooling and filtration or other mechanical removal techniques.