Electrochemical study of sulfide solution in the presence of surfactants

Voltammetric curve studies on aqueous Na2S solution in the presence of three types of surfactants are presented. Presence of anodic surfactant (HTAB) in creases anode current density and makes the corresponding anode peak potential shift to more negative. Potentials of the reduction of elemental sulfur to intermediates Sx2-shift to more negative with the increasing of HTAB concentrations. In the presence of HTAB, the anode current density at 77oC increases more than at 34oC. The electrolysis indicates that anodic product sulfur loosely adhered to the graphite electrode surface when HTAB is added to the anolyte. The total efficiency of producing sulfur is high after several times of cycle electrolysis.The results show that anode passivation is minimized in the presence of HTAB. The depassivation effect of HTAB is discussed.