Precipitation of antimony from the solution of sodium thioantimonite by air oxidation in the presence of catalytic agents

The behavior of antimony oxidation in the solution of sodium thioantimonite was studied in the presence of catalytic agents. The catalytic effects of the respective addition of cupric sulfate, sodium tartrate, potassium permanganate, phenol, 1,2 dihydroxybenzene and their combination on the oxidation of sodium thioantimonite were investigated. A pilot test was carried out. The results show that the respective use of sodium tartrate, cupric sulfate, potassium permanganate, phenol and 1,2 dihydroxybenzene have little catalytic effect on the oxidation of sodium thioantimonite. However there exists obvious catalytic oxidation by the combination of 0.25 g/L 1,2 dihydroxybenzene, 0.5 g/L potassium permanganate and 1.0 g/L phenol. Moreover, high blast intensity, the increase of temperature and NaOH concentration favor the oxidation of antimony. The oxidation process of antimony has such advantages as quick reaction and low operation costs. The results of the pilot test are consistent with those of laboratory experiments.