Control of Anodic Slimes Properties in C

It’s known that the cathodic purity and the electrolyte treatment are affected by the solids present in the electrolyte. This study focuses on the properties of anodic slimes (e.g., chemical composition, crystalline composition, sedimentation) in copper electrorefining, which were modified through anodic composition and current density. In this research, the anodic material was doped with lead at varying compositions, confirming the emergence of Bindheimeite (Sb2Pb2O7) with a specific gravity of approximately 7.3 – 7.5, thereby increasing the probability of sedimentation and decreasing the amount of nonsedimentable slimes. A comprehensive analysis of the anode's mud formed during the electrorefining process was conducted, utilizing anodic material from the foundries of Ventana, Hernan Videla Lira, and El Teniente. The characterization of the anode's mud was carried out according to current density and anodic composition, employing techniques such as chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray fluorescence. This paper addresses how the composition of the anodic material affects the characteristics of the resulting anodic slimes, contributing to the control of impurities and enhancement of the electrorefining process.