electrorefining
Quick Summary
Electrorefining, also known as electrolytic refining, is a metallurgical process used to purify metals. In this method, the crude metal serves as the anode in an electrolytic cell, while a pure sheet of the same metal acts as the cathode. Both are immersed in an electrolyte solution, typically containing the metal's sulfate and sulfuric acid.12
When an electric current is applied, metal ions dissolve from the anode and deposit onto the cathode in a purer form. Impurities, such as precious metals, settle at the bottom of the cell as anode slimes, which can then be processed separately. This technique is crucial for achieving high purity levels, often exceeding 99.9%, and is commonly used for metals like copper, nickel, lead, gold, and silver.324
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metallurgyExtractive metallurgy…from one electrode of an electrolytic cell and its deposition in a purer form onto the other electrode. Chemical refining involves either the condensation of metal from a vapor or the selective precipitation of metal from an aqueous solution.
Read More…from one electrode of an electrolytic cell and its deposition in a purer form onto the other electrode. Chemical refining involves either the condensation of metal from a vapor or the selective precipitation of metal from an aqueous solution.
Read More- metallurgyElectrolytic refining
This method gives the highest-purity metal product as well as the best recovery of valuable impurities. It is used for copper, nickel, lead, gold, and silver. The metal to be refined is cast into a slab, which becomes the anode of an electrolytic…
Read MoreThis method gives the highest-purity metal product as well as the best recovery of valuable impurities. It is used for copper, nickel, lead, gold, and silver. The metal to be refined is cast into a slab, which becomes the anode of an electrolytic…
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copper processingElectrorefiningThis is the final step in both pyro- and hydrometallurgical processing. In the electrolytic process, copper anodes and starting sheets are immersed in an electrolytic solution made up of copper sulfate and sulfuric acid. An electric current is passed through the solution, and copper…
Read MoreThis is the final step in both pyro- and hydrometallurgical processing. In the electrolytic process, copper anodes and starting sheets are immersed in an electrolytic solution made up of copper sulfate and sulfuric acid. An electric current is passed through the solution, and copper…
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nickel processingFrom sulfide oresIn electrorefining, the nickel is deposited onto pure nickel cathodes from sulfate or chloride solutions. This is done in electrolytic cells equipped with diaphragm compartments to prevent the passage of impurities from anode to cathode. In carbonyl refining, carbon monoxide is passed through the matte, yielding…
Read MoreIn electrorefining, the nickel is deposited onto pure nickel cathodes from sulfate or chloride solutions. This is done in electrolytic cells equipped with diaphragm compartments to prevent the passage of impurities from anode to cathode. In carbonyl refining, carbon monoxide is passed through the matte, yielding…
Read More- tin processingRefining
Electrolytic refining is used on the products of complex ores and to produce a very high grade of tin (up to 99.999 percent).
Read MoreElectrolytic refining is used on the products of complex ores and to produce a very high grade of tin (up to 99.999 percent).
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