The present invention relates, generally, to a method for electrowinning
copper powder, and more particularly to a method for electrowinning
copper powder from a copper-containing solution using the ferrous/ferric
anode reaction. In accordance with various embodiments of the present
invention, a process for producing copper powder by electrowinning
employs alternative anode reaction technology, namely, the ferrous/ferric
anode reaction, and enables the efficient and cost-effective production
of copper powder at a total cell voltage of less than about 1.5 V and at
current densities of greater than 50 A/ft.sup.2. A copper powder
electrowinning process in accordance with the present invention also
reduces or eliminates acid mist generation that is characteristic of
electrowinning operations utilizing conventional electrowinning chemistry
(e.g., oxygen evolution at the anode), which is advantageous.