Electrolytic Refining

Electrolytic refining is a process used to purify metals, like copper or silver, by using electricity. The impure metal is made into a positive electrode (anode) and submerged in a solution containing a salt of the metal. A pure metal sheet acts as the negative electrode (cathode). When electricity flows, metal ions from the impure anode dissolve into the solution and then deposit onto the cathode as pure metal. This process removes impurities and results in high-purity metal, essential for industrial and jewelry purposes.