Anode-assisted cation reduction

摘要

A method of cation reduction by anode-assisted electrolysis comprises electrolyzing cations at a cathode of a cell in which the anolyte contains ferrous ion as a reducing agent, with relative motion between the anode and the anolyte such as to promote contact of the anode with ferrous ion despite their mutual electrostatic repulsion, wherein the concentration of the ferrous ion is from 0.5 to 10 g/l. The relative motion between the anode and the anolyte can take the form of air-sparging. The method can be used to produce copper metal from copper solution. While static relationship is maintained between the cathode and the catholyte, the anolyte being in free communication with the catholyte.