Wohlwill process
Quick Summary
The Wohlwill process is an electrolytic method used for refining gold. It utilizes a hydrochloric acid electrolyte to purify the metal. This process is capable of achieving a high purity of approximately 99.99%. In this method, impure gold acts as the anode in an electrolyte solution of hydrochloric acid and gold chloride. Under an electric current, the anode dissolves, and impurities either go into solution or settle as a slime. Pure gold then migrates to the cathode, where it is deposited in a highly refined metallic state.12
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
gold processingHistory…Britain in 1867) and Emil Wohlwill’s electrorefining process (introduced in Hamburg, Ger., in 1878), it became possible routinely to achieve higher purities than had been allowed by fire refining.
Read More…Britain in 1867) and Emil Wohlwill’s electrorefining process (introduced in Hamburg, Ger., in 1878), it became possible routinely to achieve higher purities than had been allowed by fire refining.
Read More
gold processingRefiningThe Wohlwill process increases purity to about 99.99 percent by electrolysis. In this process, a casting of impure gold is lowered into an electrolyte solution of hydrochloric acid and gold chloride. Under the influence of an electric current, the casting functions as a positively charged electrode,…
Read MoreThe Wohlwill process increases purity to about 99.99 percent by electrolysis. In this process, a casting of impure gold is lowered into an electrolyte solution of hydrochloric acid and gold chloride. Under the influence of an electric current, the casting functions as a positively charged electrode,…
Read More