The blister copper (containing 99% copper) is pre-made into a thick plate as the anode, the pure copper is made into a thin sheet as the cathode, and the mixed solution of sulfuric acid and copper sulfate is used as the electrolyte. After electrification, copper dissolves from the anode into copper ions (Cu) and moves to the cathode. After reaching the cathode, electrons are obtained and pure copper (also known as electrolytic copper) is precipitated at the cathode. Impurities in blister copper, such as iron and zinc, which are more active than copper, will dissolve together with copper as ions (Zn and Fe). Since these ions are less likely to be precipitated than copper ions, the precipitation of these ions on the cathode can be avoided as long as the potential difference is properly adjusted during electrolysis.
Electrolytic copper is a non-ferrous metal that is closely related to human beings. It is widely used in electrical, light industry, machinery manufacturing, construction industry, national defense industry and other fields. It is second only to aluminum in the consumption of non-ferrous metal materials in my country.
In the manufacture of machinery and transport vehicles, it is used to manufacture industrial valves and fittings, instruments, plain bearings, moulds, heat exchangers and pumps, etc.
It is widely used in the manufacture of vacuums, distillation pots, brewing pots, etc. in the chemical industry.
In the defense industry, it is used to manufacture bullets, shells, gun parts, etc. For every 1 million rounds of bullets produced, 13-14 tons of copper are needed.
In the construction industry, it is used as various pipes, pipe fittings, decorative devices, etc.