A novel strategy for the efficient decomposition of toxic sodium cyanate by hematite

Toxic sodium cyanate is always present in cyanide-contaminated waste. A new technology for the efficient decomposition of toxic sodium cyanate by hematite was first proposed in this study. The decomposition of sodium cyanate under various atmospheres has been studied. Studies show that sodium cyanate decomposes above 782 °C in Ar and above 627 °C in air. Sodium cyanate does not decompose even roasted at 400 °C for 120 min in air. Hematite does not promote the decomposition of sodium cyanate in Ar. However, almost all sodium cyanate decomposes efficiently at 400 °C and the mass ration of hematite to sodium cyanate of 1:1 for 30 min in air or oxygen atmosphere. The increased mass ratio of hematite to sodium cyanate and roasting temperature can both favor the efficient decomposition of sodium cyanate. The efficient decomposition of sodium cyanate occurs within 30 min, and it is almost stagnant with the prolongation of roasting time. When roasted in air or oxygen in the presence of hematite, sodium cyanate decomposes to Na₂CO₃, CO₂ and N₂ and a small amount of NaNO₃ and NO_x. The optimal efficient decomposition of sodium cyanate is to roast above 400 °C for 30 min in air or O₂ at a mass ration of hematite to sodium cyanate greater than 1:1.