Graphite leads in electrolysis

ufarad

What is it about graphite leads that make them so much better for electrolysis than, say, copper leads? I tried it both ways, connecting leads to a battery and then sticking them in some water and with the graphite leads there was much more bubbling going on. So what is it about the graphite? Thanks.

alxm

CO₂ (g) + 4 H⁺ (aq) + 4 e^- --> C (s) + 2 H₂O (l) has an E⁰ of +0.20 V,
making carbon somewhat easier to oxidize than copper (E⁰ = +0.34).

So carbon electrodes do deteriorate slowly. The benefit is that their oxidation product (carbon dioxide) is a gas,
so it doesn't interfere much. And that carbon is simply a lot cheaper than e.g. copper (and especially platinum).

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ufarad Blog Entries: 1	Graphite leads in electrolysis Tweet What is it about graphite leads that make them so much better for electrolysis than, say, copper leads? I tried it both ways, connecting leads to a battery and then sticking them in some water and with the graphite leads there was much more bubbling going on. So what is it about the graphite? Thanks.

alxm Recognitions: Science Advisor	CO₂ (g) + 4 H⁺ (aq) + 4 e^- --> C (s) + 2 H₂O (l) has an E⁰ of +0.20 V, making carbon somewhat easier to oxidize than copper (E⁰ = +0.34). So carbon electrodes do deteriorate slowly. The benefit is that their oxidation product (carbon dioxide) is a gas, so it doesn't interfere much. And that carbon is simply a lot cheaper than e.g. copper (and especially platinum).