Electrorefining of Copper

Cu (impure) → Cu2+ + 2e− → Cu (pure)

अवलोकन

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.

प्रतिभागी

भूमिका पदार्थ गुणांक अवस्था
अभिकारक Copper Cu 1 (s)
उत्पाद Copper Cu 1 (s)

रोजमर्रा का उदाहरण

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

औद्योगिक महत्व

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

गुण

प्रकार
Electrochemical
प्रतिवर्ती
नहीं
ऊर्जा
ऊष्माशोषी
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.