Influence of anode material composition on the stability of electrochemically‐prepared ferrate(VI) solutions

The stability of electrochemically‐prepared ferrate(VI) solution in 14 M NaOH solution was studied. White cast iron and pure iron were used as anode materials and the anodic current density during the ferrate(VI) preparation was varied in the range 4.4 to 42.8 mA cm⁻². The solution temperature ranged from 20 to 50 °C. The ferrate(VI) decomposition rate was found to depend strongly on solution temperature, anodic current density and also on the anode material composition. The decomposition rate was higher for white cast iron ie the anode material with greater iron carbide content. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry