The rate of electrolytic reduction of hexavalent chromium from acidic solution at a hydrogen-evolving rotating cylinder lead cathode was studied under conditions of different current densities, Cr 6+ concentrations and rotation speeds. The rate of the reaction was found to follow a first order rate equation. The specific reaction rate constant was found to increase with increasing rotation speed until a limiting value was reached with further increase in rotation speed. Mechanistic study of the reaction has shown that at relatively low rotation speeds the reduction of Cr 6+ is partially diffusion controlled, at higher speeds the reaction becomes chemically controlled. The limiting specific reaction rate constant was related to the operating current density by the equation K = 0.044 il.385. The current efficiency of Cr 6+ -reduction was measured as a function of current density, initial Cr 6+ concentration and rotation speed. Possible practical applications are discussed.
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