Electrorefining of Copper

Cu (impure) → Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Cu (pure)

Descripción general

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.

Participantes

Rol	Sustancia	Coeficiente	Estado
Reactivo	Copper Cu	1	(s)
Producto	Copper Cu	1	(s)

Ejemplo cotidiano

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

Importancia industrial

Aproximadamente el 80% del cobre mundial (20 millones de toneladas/año) se electrorrefina. Los metales preciosos recuperados de los lodos anódicos compensan gran parte del coste del proceso.

Propiedades

Tipo: Electrochemical
Reversible: No
Energía: Endotérmico
ΔH: 0,0 kJ/mol

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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.