Highly oriented (002) crystals zinc powder from recovery of zinc smelting slag

As an important secondary resource, the recovery of zinc smelting slag into high value-added substances has been regarded as a meaningful mission. Response surface methodology was used to assess the effect of various factors on the leaching of zinc smelting slag and model the zinc leaching process. The interactions between the influencing factors were explored to reveal the critical factors on the leaching efficiency. Importantly, the prediction model for the leaching of zinc smelting slag was established, and the predicted leaching rates were in general agreement with the actual values. The ionic form of zinc in the leaching solution is Zn(NH3)42+, which could be directly recognized as electrolyte in electrowinning after purification. Next, the electrolyte is formulated using the leaching solution. The highly oriented Zn (002) crystals zinc powder was prepared from the electrolyte using electrodeposition and the physical phase of the zinc powder was observed. The nucleation and cathodic kinetics in the electrolyte were explored using an electrochemical workstation. Finally, zinc powder with highly oriented (002) crystals was coated to form the electrode for Zn||Zn symmetric cell. A series of electrochemical tests were performed on the zinc powder anode and the symmetric cell to verify the excellent performances of the zinc powder anode with highly oriented (002) crystals. •This study turns zinc smelting slag into a treasure by describing an entire process for green recycling.•Selective leaching of zinc from zinc smelting slag avoids the leaching of large amounts of impurities. Reduced the cost of removing impurities.•After electrolysis, the electrolyte can be returned to the leaching stage to leach the zinc smelting slag after it has been adjusted.•In the Zn(NH3)42+ system, an additive promoting the preferential growth of Zn(002) crystal faces was introduced. Zinc powders with high Zn(002) crystallographic orientation were obtained.•Zinc powders with high Zn(002) crystallographic orientation have excellent corrosion resistance and high hydrogen precipitation. Extends the life of Zn||Zn symmetric cells.