How Can Copper Alloys Be Purified Electrochemically?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the electrochemical purification of copper alloys, emphasizing the use of pickling as a viable method. Pickling involves treating copper alloys with a non-oxidizing acid to solubilize impurities while preserving the copper. Additionally, for organic-based impurities, heating the copper above 500°C prior to acidic treatment is recommended. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding redox couples in the purification process.

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  • Understanding of electrochemical processes
  • Knowledge of pickling techniques in metallurgy
  • Familiarity with redox reactions
  • Basic principles of thermal treatment in metal purification
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  • Research commercial pickling solutions for copper alloys
  • Explore the principles of redox couples in electrochemistry
  • Investigate the effects of thermal treatment on metal impurities
  • Learn about non-oxidizing acids suitable for copper pickling
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This discussion is beneficial for metallurgists, materials scientists, and anyone involved in the purification of copper alloys through electrochemical methods.

amarnath
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Hi all

How to purify copper alloys electrochemically ? please describe all possible commerically feseable ways and also pls specify any commerical set ups /resource that can do the above process
 
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Hello,

I have no knowledge about commercial aspects of electrochemical purification, but I'd say that if you can produce a redox couple on copper, then you can oxidize the other metal and purify it; but the term "pickling" is frequently used for the thing you're asking for, I think.

Pickling is basically an acidic treatment, but the acid must be of a non-oxidizing one in order not to corrode copper; the other metal(s) in the alloy will eventually be solubilized and leave copper by going into the solution, and copper will remain intact. This may be a good measure.

If the impurities are organic-based, acidic treatment after heating the copper part beyond 500°C will be more helpful.

These are pure-chemical ways to treat an impure copper alloy, but wait for other friends' posts.
 

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