ELECTROREFINING Meaning and
Definition
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Electrorefining is a process used in metallurgy and extractive metallurgy to purify metals through electrochemical means. It involves the purification of impure metal or alloy by electrolysis, where an electric current is passed through a solution containing dissolved metal ions. This process is commonly employed to refine copper, but it can also be used for other metals like nickel, lead, and zinc.
The electrorefining process begins with the impure metal being made into an anode, while a pure metal sheet acts as the cathode. These electrodes are immersed in an electrolytic bath consisting of a solution containing metal ions of the same type and an appropriate electrolyte. The electric current is passed through the electrolyte, causing metal ions from the anode to migrate towards the cathode. As they do so, they lose electrons and are deposited onto the cathode, resulting in the release of pure metal.
Electrorefining is favored over other refining methods because it allows for greater control over the purity of the final metal product. The process can selectively remove impurities such as sulfur, arsenic, and other non-metallic elements, as well as trace metals. Through careful adjustment of the electrolyte composition and operating conditions, the desired metal can be obtained with a high degree of purity, often exceeding 99.9%.
Overall, electrorefining plays a crucial role in the production of pure metals that meet stringent quality specifications for various industrial applications.
Common Misspellings for ELECTROREFINING
- wlectrorefining
- slectrorefining
- dlectrorefining
- rlectrorefining
- 4lectrorefining
- 3lectrorefining
- ekectrorefining
- epectrorefining
- eoectrorefining
- elwctrorefining
- elsctrorefining
- eldctrorefining
- elrctrorefining
- el4ctrorefining
- el3ctrorefining
- elextrorefining
- elevtrorefining
- eleftrorefining
- eledtrorefining
- elecrrorefining
Etymology of ELECTROREFINING
The word "electrorefining" is derived from two main root words: "electro" and "refining".
1. "Electro-" comes from the Greek word "ēlektron", which means "amber". In English, "electro-" is commonly used as a prefix to denote something related to electricity or electrical processes.
2. "Refining" originates from the Latin word "refinare", which means "to purify" or "to make fine". It is derived from the combining form "re-" (meaning "again" or "back") and "finis" (meaning "end" or "limit").
Therefore, when combined, "electrorefining" signifies a process of purifying or making something fine through the use of electricity.
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