Question

Electrolytic refining of copper

Answer 1

In an electrorefining process, the anode is the impure metal and the impurities must be lost during the passage of the metal from the anode to the cathode during electrolysis.

Electrorefining processes using a molten salt or non-aqueous electrolyte are used and, indeed, are the subject of further development. This is due to the possibilities they offer for increasing current densities and refining via lower oxidation states not stable in water (e.g. refining of copper via Cu+ would almost halve the energy requirement). However, aqueous processes presently predominate due to their ease of handling, more developed chemistry and familiarity with aqueous process liquors and electrolytes.  
 

Answer 2

In electrolytic refining of copper. an impure piece of copper is used as the cathode in an electrolytic cell and a piece of pure copper is used as the anode when high current is passed through the electrolyte the copper molecules are removed from the cathode and are joined to the anode and after some time all the copper is removed from impure piece of copper and a big piece of pure copper is formed.