A metal extracted by any method is usually contaminated with some impurity. For obtaining metals of high purity, several techniques are used depending upon the differences in properties of the metal and the impurity. Some of them are listed below:

(a) Distillation

(b) Liquation

(c) Electrolysis

(d) Zone refining

(e) Vapour phase refining

(f) Chromatographic methods

What is the purity range for copper obtained from electrolytic refining?

99.95-99.99%

The transfer of pure metal from the anode to the cathode is the outcome of electrolytic refining. The impurities of more basic metals settle down as anode mud, whereas those of less basic metals stay in the electrolytic solution as ions. Electrolysis produces copper that is 99.95–99.99% pure.