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5. Electrowinning
Electrowinning is very different from electrorefining. It involves the electrodeposition of copper from the concentrated ionic solution, whereas electrorefining uses the anodic dissolution of copper anodes. In both cases, however, copper is deposited at the cathode. The process is typically hydrometallurgical, whereas electrorefining is associated in industrial reality with pyrometallurgy.
5.1 Electrical conditions
The electrowinning reactions are as follows.
Anode: in sulfate media, this is made of hard lead passivated with 6% antimony and sometimes 0.5% silver; it generally only slightly contaminates the electrolyte, and has a fairly long life. Oxygen is released, raising the oxidation-reduction...
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Electrowinning
Copper extraction by case-hardening
