Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Electrowinning Chromium

LanthanumK - 28-6-2011 at 09:13

What is the best chromium compound to obtain chromium from by electrowinning? e.g. NaCrO4, CrCl3

m1tanker78 - 1-7-2011 at 06:39

If you just want to demo plate chrome on a substrate, a solution of sodium (di)chromate in distilled H2O + H2SO4 should get you there. If you want to isolate some bulk metal or plate a part with 'show chrome', it's going to be very difficult unless you have access to the proper equipment and chemicals (some proprietary). Bright chrome needs lots of prep work as well as pre-plating other metals (depending on the substrate).

Chromic acid / anhydride is usually the salt of choice in the biz.

Tank

LanthanumK - 1-7-2011 at 11:42

I had obtained chromium from electrolysis of a Cr(3+) solution but it was composed of black small hard crystals. So it appears that the more toxic Cr(6+) produces a truer chromium color.