Process for the electrodeposition of zinc

658,459. Electrodeposition of zinc. AMERICAN SMELTING & REFINING CO. Sept. 13, 1949, No. 23636. Convention date, Oct. 26, 1948. [Class 41] In the electrodeposition of zinc from an acid electrolyte, the major non-aqueous constituents of which are substantial quantities of sulphuric acid and zinc sulphate, using insoluble anodes of which at least the major portion is lead, the purity of the zinc cathode deposit is enhanced by the addition of strontium or barium to the electrolyte in amount insufficient to affect markedly the acidity of the electrolyte. but sufficient to lessen the amount of lead entering into the zinc deposit during electrolysis. The strontium or barium is preferably added in the form of a carbonate slurry but may also be added in the form of a chloride or sulphate. The electrolyte may also contain the commonlyused manganese dioxide. The anode may be a lead-silver anode, containing 1 per cent of silver.