Copper Refining Electrolysis at High Cur

In this study, the possibility of utilizing high current densities in copper refining electrolysis was investigated in relation to cell design and the surface characteristics of cathode material, along with the observed changes in cell potential depending on working conditions. Two groups of experiments were conducted; the first series of copper refining electrolyses were performed without any additives to the bath, while the second series examined the effect of glue, thiourea, and chloride additions on cathodic copper. Electrolysis conditions, consistent with industrial practices, were maintained constant throughout the experiments, including concentrations of 45 g Cu2+/L and 150 g H2SO4/L, a temperature of 55°C, an electrolyte circulation of 15-20 L/min, and a current density of 700 A/m2. A specially designed cell featuring a unique electrolyte feeding system was utilized for lab-scale high current density copper refining electrolysis, resulting in significantly high current efficiencies approaching 99%. These findings elucidate the potential enhancements in copper refining through optimized electrolysis conditions and additive incorporation.