Question

In electrolytic refining , it is mentioned that a metal salt is used as electrolyte, so can we use any metal salt or only the salt of that particular metal which we are going to refine??.......please answer only if u know the correct answer...

Answer 1

Only the salt of the particular metal can be used .

Answer 2

HELLO THERE!

In the process of Electro-refining, the metal from the impure anode comes off in the electrolyte as cations and then get deposited in the cathode, which is generally a thin sheet of the pure metal.

Hence, an electrolyte containing the same metallic ion should be used.
Dilute Sulphuric acid is also used, to increase its conductivity.

For example, if you refine copper:
=> Electrolyte should be a soluble salt of copper, and of no other metal.
=> Anode should be of the impure copper.
=> Cathode should be a thin strip of pure copper.



Hope you have got your answer.
THANKS!