• A novel combined static and dynamic adsorption process using chelating resin effectively removes copper from nickel electrolysis anode solution.
• Optimal conditions for pH, adsorption time, temperature, resin dosage, particle size, and stirring speed were systematically determined.
• The process achieved a final copper concentration of 3 mg/L with undetectable nickel, meeting industrial purification standards.
• Ion-exchange technology provides an environmentally friendly supplement to conventional precipitation and solvent extraction methods.