Electrorefining of Copper

概述

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.

参与者

日常示例

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

工业重要性

电解精炼是生产电子级高纯铜的标准方法，全球年电解铜产量超2000万吨。精炼过程中阳极泥还富集金、银、铂族金属等贵金属副产品。