The production process of electrolytic metallic manganese is comprised of two distinct stages.Initially, the electrolytic solution is prepared. In this stage, manganese ore powder is reacted with an inorganic acid and subjected to heating, resulting in the production of a manganese salt solution. Concurrently, an ammonium salt is introduced into the solution to serve as a buffer. Iron is eliminated through oxidation and neutralization using an oxidizing agent, while the removal of heavy metals is achieved by the addition of a sulfide cleaner.The solution is subsequently filtered and separated.Electrolytic additives are incorporated into the solution to create the electrolytic solution.Currently, sulfuric acid leaching of manganese is extensively employed in industrial production to prepare the electrolyte. However, the method of electrolysis of manganese metal using a saline solution of manganese chloride has not yet achieved large-scale production.The manganese ore powder utilized for the production of manganese sulfate is categorized into rhodochrosite and pyrolusite. To obtain manganese sulfate from pyrolusite, it is necessary to reduce and roast the pyrolusite to form manganese monoxide, which is then leached with sulfuric acid.
(2) Electrolytic Process. The aqueous electrolyte of manganese sulfate, which contains ammonium sulfate, is introduced into the electrolytic cell enclosed within a mold, and direct current is applied to initiate electrolysis. During this process, manganese metal is deposited on the cathode plate, while oxygen is deposited on the anode plate.The cathode plate is periodically replaced, and the electrolysis product undergoes passivation, washing, drying, and purification to yield a manganese metal product.
