Temperature and concentration dependence of the electrochemical PtHg4 alloy formation for mercury decontamination
Journal article, 2023

New and improved methods to remove toxic mercury from contaminated waters and waste streams are highly sought after. Recently, it was shown that electrochemical alloy formation of PtHg4 on a platinum surface with mercury ions from solution can be utilized for decontamination, with several advantages over conventional techniques. Herein, we examine the alloy formation process in more detail by mercury concentration measurements using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in batch measurements as well as electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance analysis both in batch and in flowing water with initial mercury concentrations ranging from 0.25 to 75000 µg L−1 Hg2+. Results show that mercury is effectively removed from all solutions and the rate of alloy formation is constant over time, as well as for very thick layers of PtHg4. The apparent activation energy for the electrochemical alloy formation was determined to be 0.29 eV, with a reaction order in mercury ion concentration around 0.8. The obtained results give new insights that are vital in the assessment and further development of electrochemical alloy formation as a method for large scale mercury decontamination.

Decontamination

Platinum

Mercury

Electrochemical alloy

PtHg 4

Author

Emma Feldt

Chalmers, Physics, Chemical Physics

Julia Järlebark

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Applied Chemistry

Vera Roth

Chalmers, Physics, Chemical Physics

Rasmus Svensson

Chalmers, Physics, Chemical Physics

Pontus Gustafsson

Chalmers, Physics, Chemical Physics

Nora Molander

Chalmers, Physics, Chemical Physics

Cristian Tunsu

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Energy and Material

Björn Wickman

Chalmers, Physics, Chemical Physics

Separation and Purification Technology

1383-5866 (ISSN) 18733794 (eISSN)

Vol. 319 124033

Reaktionsmekanism och hastighetsbestämmande steg i elektrokemiska legeringar för kvicksilverrening av vatten

Formas (2019-01190), 2020-01-01 -- 2022-12-31.

Subject Categories

Materials Chemistry

Other Physics Topics

DOI

10.1016/j.seppur.2023.124033

More information

Latest update

6/1/2023 6