Electrorefining of Copper

Cu (impure) → Cu2+ + 2e− → Cu (pure)

Übersicht

Impure copper anodes (99.5%) dissolve electrochemically while pure copper (99.99%) deposits at the cathode from CuSO₄/H₂SO₄ electrolyte. Impurities either remain in solution or fall as anode slime (containing gold, silver, platinum). The voltage required is only 0.2–0.3 V since the same reaction occurs at both electrodes.

Teilnehmer

Rolle Substanz Koeffizient Zustand
Reaktant Copper Cu 1 (s)
Produkt Copper Cu 1 (s)

Alltägliches Beispiel

All the copper wiring in your home was refined to 99.99% purity by this electrorefining process.

Industrielle Bedeutung

About 80% of the world's copper (20 million tonnes/year) is electrorefined. Precious metals recovered from anode slime significantly offset costs.

Eigenschaften

Typ
Electrochemical
Reversibel
Nein
Energie
Endotherm
ΔH
0,0 kJ/mol

Verwandte Reaktionen

Electrolysis of Water Electrolytic Production of Chlorate Alkaline Battery Discharge Anodizing of Aluminum Cathodic Protection (Zinc Sacrificial Anode) Chlor-Alkali Electrolysis Chrome Electroplating Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery Sodium-Sulfur Battery Electrochemical CO₂ Reduction to CO

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Electrorefining of Copper?
The balanced equation is: Cu (impure) → Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Cu (pure).
What type of reaction is Electrorefining of Copper?
Electrorefining of Copper is a electrochemical reaction.
Is Electrorefining of Copper exothermic or endothermic?
Electrorefining of Copper is endothermic (absorbs energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is 0.0 kJ/mol.