Copper is purified by electrolytic refining. The apparatus consists of an electrolytic tank containing copper sulphate solution as electrolyte. A set of thick blocks of impure copper is made anode (connected to the positive terminal of the battery) and a set of pure copper plates is made as cathode (connected to the negative terminal of the battery). On passing direct current through the electrolyte, the positively charged copper ions from copper sulphate go to the cathode and gets deposited on cathode giving pure copper. The process continues. Impure anode becomes thinner and pure cathode becomes thicker. The impurities collect at the bottom.