Purification of Copper via Electrolysis

Electrolysis can be used to purify impure copper that contains other metals such as silver, gold, iron and zinc.

The purity of copper can be increased from 99% in impure copper to almost 99.99% in pure copper.

This purification process via electrolysis is important as slight amounts of impurity in copper will reduce its electrical conductivity.

Electrolyte: copper (II) sulfate solution
Anode: impure copper
Cathode: pure copper

1. Oxidation at Anode (impure Copper)

At the anode we have to consider the oxidation of sulfate, water and all the metals in impure copper.

In this example zinc has the most negative E value hence will be oxidised first.

Zn(s) → Zn²⁺(aq) + 2e

Once zinc is depleted, the next metal to be oxidised will be iron with the next most negative E value.

Fe(s) → Fe²⁺(aq) + 2e

Once iron is depleted copper will be oxidised.

Cu(s) → Cu²⁺(aq) + 2e

Since the percentage of copper in the anode is already very high, oxidation of copper will take place for most of the electrolysis process.

Less reactive metals such as silver and gold will not be oxidised and they will be removed as sludge below the anode.

2. Reduction at Cathode (pure Copper)

At the cathode we have to consider the reduction of Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe²⁺ and water.

Cu²⁺ has the most positive E value hence will be reduced and deposited at the pure copper cathode.

Cu²⁺(aq) + 2e → Cu(s)

Cu²⁺ concentration will remain relatively high and constant throughout the electrolysis since Cu²⁺ is formed at the anode.

Zn²⁺ and Fe²⁺ will not be reduced and remain as ions in the solution.

Topic: Electrochemistry, Physical Chemistry, A Level Chemistry, Singapore

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