(i) Distillation – in order to obtain the pure metal as a distillate, the impure metal block is evaporated. This method can be used for metals with low boiling points such as zinc or mercury.
(ii) Liquation – Metals with low boiling points are made to flow on a sloped surface, thereby separating them from the impurities which have higher boiling points. Example: Tin can be refined via this method.
(iii) Zone Refining – the principle of this method is that impurities are more soluble in their melt state when compared to the corresponding solid-state. A mobile heater moves along the metal block/rod and the impurities move along with it. Eg: Silicon and Germanium are generally purified via this method.
