Potential controlled electrolysis as a n

Copper electrorefining and electrowinning processes have traditionally been current-controlled, yet the electrode potential is a crucial factor in these electrochemical methods. This study presents a novel potential-controlled electrolysis method for copper recovery from complex industrial electrolytes. Comprehensive theoretical and experimental analyses were conducted to investigate the interplay of mass transfer mechanisms, including diffusion, migration, and convection, in concentrated electrolyte systems, which are less studied than their dilute counterparts. The pilot-scale tests introduced in this paper demonstrate the efficacy of potential-controlled methods in promoting smoother cathode surfaces and achieving high-purity copper cathodes, with purity levels exceeding 99.995%. Notably, the results indicate that controlling electrode potential can significantly enhance the industrial processes of copper production, addressing challenges related to current density fluctuations and cathode roughness. The findings advocate for the potential-controlled electrolysis method as an innovative approach in copper electrorefining, presenting both industrial implications and opportunities for fundamental research in electrochemical processes under complex conditions.