Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Obtain a source metal to be purified. For example, if you wish to extract a sample of pure copper, obtain a copper alloy or some copper ore as raw material. This will give you a source of metal to be purified.
Purchase an electrolytic solution that corresponds to the metal you wish to purify. Each metal has a unique solution that is used for breaking down the molecules of the metal. For example, a copper sulfate solution works with copper, while silver requires silver nitrate. Your chemical supplier can recommend the optimum solution to use for the metal you are working with, as well as helping with any licenses that may be a requirement for certain chemical agents.
Pour the solution into a large glass container. Glass, such as Pyrex, that is designed for use in ovens works best because it is not easily broken. Use a container large enough to hold both the solution and the metals that are being purified. Wear safety glasses and rubber gloves when working with the solution, and conduct the project in a well ventilated area.
Prepare your battery. Obtain a 9-volt battery and two lengths of wire. Use wire strippers to remove 1 inch of insulation from each end of the wires. Attach one end to the battery. Connect one wire to the negative terminal on the battery, and connect the other to the positive terminal. Attach an alligator clip to the far end of each wire, making it easy to connect the wire to your metals.
Connect the anode. Identify which wire is connected to the positive battery terminal. Connect the alligator clip of this wire to the ore or alloy you wish to purify. With the alligator clip connected to the source, carefully lower it into the electrolytic solution. This positively charged source is referred to as an anode.
Connect the cathode. Take the other wire, leading to the negative battery terminal, and connect the alligator clip to a piece of pure metal sample. This is referred to as a cathode. For example, if you are purifying copper, you need a pure copper cathode for the metal to bond to. When connected, lower the cathode into the electrolytic solution. With both the cathode and anode in the solution, an electric circuit is created.
Wait for the process to complete. The solution will break up the particles of the positively charged anode and release the molecules of the metal into the solution. The positive charge causes them to be attracted to the negatively charged cathode, which they will bond to immediately upon contact. The amount of time it takes varies depending on the type and density of the source metal that is being purified. Prepare to use several batteries over a couple of days for large projects.
Remove both the anode and cathode from the solution. Disconnect the battery and rinse the metal under cold water to remove any traces of electrolytic chemicals. Store your solution in a sealable container for reuse at a later date.