This invention discloses a method and apparatus for preparing high-purity
arsenic in an
anhydrous liquid medium at high temperatures, belonging to the field of
molten salt electrochemistry. The method uses a low-melting-point, highly stable
calcium chloride (CaCl2)-based
molten salt as the
electrolyte, directly dissolving or dispersing
calcium arsenate powder in the
molten salt.
Electrolysis is carried out under an
inert atmosphere, with the
electrolysis temperature controlled between 650-950℃.
Arsenate ions (AsO4) are present at the
cathode. 3‑ The
arsenic is directly reduced to elemental
arsenic. Because the
operating temperature is much higher than the
boiling point of arsenic (614℃), the elemental arsenic instantly vaporizes into arsenic vapor (As₄(g)) and escapes from the molten salt. The arsenic vapor is transported to a condensation
system via a carrier gas, where it condenses into
solid high-purity arsenic in a low-temperature zone of 200-300℃ for collection.
Oxygen is released from the
anode through an
oxygen ion oxidation reaction. This invention achieves the direct conversion of stable
arsenate into high-value-added, high-purity arsenic. The process is short, energy-efficient, and produces high-purity products, providing a novel pathway for the high-value utilization of arsenic-containing waste.