GB691300A - Improvements in and relating to the separation of nickel and other metals from cobalt-containing solutions - Google Patents

Abstract

691,300. Electrolytic separation of nickel and other metals from solutions. MERRE, M. DE. May 15, 1950 [June 16, 1949], No. 16051/49. Class 41. A process for separating nickel from cobalt in a solution of these metals, is characterised in that the solution is rendered acid, and is subjected to electrolysis at a temperature between approximately 50‹ C. and boiling point, with a mercury cathode, the ratio of nickel to cobalt in the solution diminishing as electrolysis proceeds so that eventually substantially all the nickel is deposited on to the mercury cathode to form an amalgam, which is separated from the solution containing the cobalt. If other metals are present in the solution such as copper, cadmium and zinc, which are separable at cathodic potentials lower than the potential at which cobalt precipitates, they may be deposited on the mercury cathode using an appropriate cathode potential for such metal. The surface of the cathode may be increased by means of rotating discs partly immersed in the mercury. Metals may be extracted selectively from the mercury amalgam by electrolysis, the amalgam being the anode, and controlled anodic potential being applied appropriate to each metal. The electrolyte may be normal sulphuric acid solution at a temperature above 75‹ C.