The purification process utilizes the cementation process to further purify the zinc. It uses zinc dust and steam to remove copper, cadmium, cobalt, and nickel, which would interfere with the electrolysis process. After purification, concentrations of these impurities are limited to less than 0.05 milligram per liter (4×10 pound per U.S. gallon). Purification is usually conducted in large agitated tanks. The process takes place at temperatures ranging from , and pressures ranging from atmospheric to  (absolute scale). The by-products are sold for further refining.
The zinc sulfate solution must be very pure for electrowinning to be at all efficient. Impurities can change the decomposition voltage enough to where the electrolysis cell produces largely hydrogen gas rather than zinc metal.