Simulation of Reduction of Cr(VI) by Fe(II) Produced Electrochemically in a Parallel-Plate Electrochemical Reactor

A model is presented for the reduction of hexavalent chromium in a parallel-plate electrochemical reactor via a homogenous reaction between Cr(VI) and Fe(II) generated at the iron anode. The effects of the space velocity of the feed solution, the concentration of supporting electrolyte, the distance between the electrodes, and the cell potential on conversion of Cr(VI) to Cr(III), are discussed. This study indicates that for reduction of Cr(VI) using Fe(II), the space velocity must be maintained below 0.02 s-1 or the system becomes limited by the rate of reduction of Cr(VI) by Fe(II). Increasing the current density by increasing the cell potential, increasing the amount of supporting electrolyte, and decreasing the distance between the electrodes increases single pass conversion of Cr(VI) to Cr(III); however, increasing the current density also increases the specific energy required by the system. © 2009 The Electrochemical Society.