Electrolytic production of metallic cadmium and cadmium–sodium alloys in alkali melts

Reprocessing of cadmium-containing wastes and used storage batteries produces cadmium oxide. Electrowinning of the metal from an alkali melt is proposed for processing of CdO and production of metallic cadmium or cadmium–sodium alloys. The design of a laboratory electrolyzer is discussed. Technological parameters of the electrolysis process are determined. Applied and engineering aspects of the electrowinning of cadmium and cadmium–sodium alloys are considered. Conditions of the electrolytic production of cadmium are optimized. Specific features of the electrochemical production of cadmium–sodium alloys are analyzed. Electrowinning of cadmium from an acid or chloride solution is considered. The comparison of the electrolysis of aqueous solutions and alkali melts is in favor of the latter.