Anodic behaviour of copper during electrorefining using a rotating ring-disc electrode

The anodic dissolution of copper during electrorefining has been studied by a rotating ring-disc electrode technique. The influence of temperature, some additives (Cl^– ions and polyethylene glycol) and the anode-alloying element (phosphorus) on the polarization curves was examined. It was shown that at certain conditions the concentration of Cu⁺ ions on the ring electrode decreased. As a result, a reduction of powdered copper in the electrolyte due to the disproportionation of cuprous ions may be expected.