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How is sulfuric acid used in electrolytic zinc production?

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A labeled diagram of the periodic table entry for zinc, showing its atomic number 30, symbol Zn, atomic weight 65.38, electron configuration, name, hexagonal crystal structure, solid state at room temperature, and classification as a transition metal.
zinc

In the electrolytic production of zinc, sulfuric acid is primarily used as a solvent to prepare the electrolyte solution.1

The process involves the following steps:

  • Leaching: Zinc oxide calcines, which are produced by roasting sulfide concentrates, are leached in dilute sulfuric acid to create a zinc sulfate solution.1
  • Electrolysis: This purified zinc sulfate solution serves as the electrolyte. During electrolysis, zinc is deposited onto a cathode.1

The efficiency of this process relies on maintaining a high level of purity in the electrolyte. Because the presence of impurities can interfere with zinc deposition by lowering the hydrogen overvoltage, the solution must undergo rigorous purification stagesā€”including the removal of iron and cementation with zinc dustā€”before electrolysis can occur.1

Additionally, the sulfur dioxide gas generated during the initial roasting of zinc concentrates is often captured and sent to a sulfuric acid plant, linking the production of the acid to the overall metallurgical process.2