Electrometallurgy for nano-scientists

Abstract

Electrometallurgy is applied in three major industries: refining of copper, recovery of zinc, and production of aluminum. While copper and zinc are processed in aqueous solutions, the production of aluminum takes place from molten salt. Electrowinning of zinc and aluminum are energy intensive operations while electrorefining of copper is not. Electrometallurgy cannot be isolated from other areas of extractive metallurgy because of its dependence on the feed material as well the final processing of the products and the secondary products like anodic slimes. There is a competition between elctrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy in connection with the production of reactive metals such as beryllium and magnesium.