Patent · US Expired

Process for oxidizing a metal of variable valence by controlled potential electrolysis

US4243494A · kind A · utility

11Cited by
7References
8Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 19, 1979
Grant dateJan 6, 1981
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 19, 1999

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
  • CPC primaryC25B1/00
  • WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

A process for oxidizing a metal of variable valence to a higher valence state by electrochemical means. More particularly, a process for oxidizing a metal of variable valence, such as, for example, uranium or vanadium contained in wet process phosphoric acid to a higher valence state for extraction by subsequent contact with complex organic extractants. The wet process phosphoric acid is oxidized in an electrolytic cell operated at a controlled potential via use of a reference electrode. The cell comprises a tank having at least one anode and at least one cathode, said anode and cathode having a ratio of surface areas exposed to the electrolyte in said cell of from at least about 100:1.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.