Electrochemical reductions of Hg(II), ruthenium-nitrosyl complex, chromate, and nitrate in a strong alkaline solution

Journal Article · Sun Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1996 · Journal of the Electrochemical Society

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1149/1.1837299· OSTI ID:474615

Bockris, J O`M; Kim, J ^[1]

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1. Texas A and M Univ., College Station, TX (United States)

The electrochemistry of low-level nuclear wastes, the reductions of Hg(II), [RuNO(NO{sub 2}){sub 4}OH]{sup 2{minus}}, CrO{sub 4}{sup 2{minus}}, and NO{sub 3}{sup {minus}} in 1.33 M NaOH solution have been studied primarily at nickel electrodes for electrocatalytic advantages. Hg(II) was reduced to Hg metal [equilibrium potential of 0.099 V vs NHE (normal hydrogen electrode)]. The ruthenium-nitrosyl complex, [RuNO(NO{sub 2}){sub 4}OH]{sup 2{minus}}, was reduced to Ru metal (half-wave potential of {minus}0.38 V vs NHE). Chromate was reduced to chromic hydroxide (equilibrium potential of {minus}0.24 V vs NHE). Nitrate reduction has two different regions of Tafel behavior from which reduction mechanisms are proposed. The exchange current densities for the nitrate reduction at Ni, Pb, Fe, and graphite were measured and the competition of the nitrate reduction with the hydrogen evolution investigated.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• OSTI ID: 474615
• Journal Information: Journal of the Electrochemical Society, Journal Name: Journal of the Electrochemical Society Journal Issue: 12 Vol. 143; ISSN 0013-4651; ISSN JESOAN
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

05 NUCLEAR FUELS
40 CHEMISTRY
CHROMATES
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTROLYSIS
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES
MERCURY
NITRATES
RADIOACTIVE WASTE PROCESSING
REDUCTION
RUTHENIUM
SAVANNAH RIVER PLANT