Anode-mud - Definition

Question

What do you mean by the term 'Anode Mud'?

Answer 1

Anode mud, also known as anode slime, is an insoluble residue that forms during the electrolytic refining of metals. When an impure metal anode dissolves in an electrolyte solution, the pure metal ions deposit on the cathode, while the impurities, which do not dissolve, settle at the bottom as anode mud. This mud often contains valuable metals like gold, silver, and platinum, making it worth recovering.

Answer 2

In electrolytic refining, anode is made from impure metal and cathode is that of pure metal. when electricity is passed, the pure metal present in the anode goes and sticks to the pure metal at the cathode and the impurities which were left behind settle down the anode. this is called anode mud.

Anode mud: An insoluble substance or mixture that collects at the anode in an electrolytic refining or plating process.

Uses

Also known as anode slime. Its production of anode mud is expected to reach 800,000 tons per year to be used in the gold and silver purification process.