What is Electrolysis: Definition and 222 Discussions

In chemistry and manufacturing, electrolysis is a technique that uses direct electric current (DC) to drive an otherwise non-spontaneous chemical reaction. Electrolysis is commercially important as a stage in the separation of elements from naturally occurring sources such as ores using an electrolytic cell. The voltage that is needed for electrolysis to occur is called the decomposition potential. The word "lysis" means to separate or break, so in terms, electrolysis would mean either "breakdown of electricity" or "breakdown via electricity".

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  1. W

    Electrolysis When calculating amount of charge from an amount of

    Electrolysis When calculating amount of charge from an amount of product in an electrolysis the typical equations proceeds for instance: .404g Cu * (1 mole Cu/63.6g) * (2 moles electrons/1 moles Cu) * (96485/1 mole e) = 1.226 E3 C BUT when solving for amount of product for instance we go...
  2. U

    Graphite leads in electrolysis

    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...
  3. C

    Silver Oxide Formation in Electrolysis Experiment

    i did an experiment the other day where i split water into hydrogen and oxygen but i used a silver anode and cathode when i turned on the batterie the silver one i think the anode start to corrode( one the one that oxygen forms on) is this making silver oxide when this happens?
  4. T

    What Are the Products of NaHCO3 Electrolysis?

    Hello all! We haven't had classes for the past few days and I've been bored, so I have been experimenting around with several different basic household electrolytes, two pure copper electrodes and a 12v power supply. The last combination of an electrolytic cell I tried was one with a solution...
  5. A

    Electrolysis and concentration cells

    What exactly is the difference between a concentration cell and galvanic/voltaic cell? How do you know what are the half reactions? Also, is the ion and electron flow the same found in voltaic cells or is it the opposite? My biggest question of electrolysis has to do with Cl species...
  6. Saladsamurai

    Where Does Platinum Fit in Hydrogen Fuel Cells and Electrolysis?

    Hey folks, I am currently doing some research on hydrogen fuel cells as part of a project. I just wanted to clear up some confusion I am having with the whole *platinum issue.* Very generally speaking, this is what I have gathered on H2 Fuel cell vehicles: 1) Electrolysis is needed to...
  7. P

    How much energy is needed for electrolysis to produce 2.5l of hydrogen?

    How much electric energy needs to be used, to get 2.5l of hydrogen, when T=298K, pressure 10^5Pa? Electrolysis happens at 5V, efficiency is 75%. I am quite lost here. Not sure were to start. I tried finding the needed current by getting hydrogen to kg and then by comparing to 0.0104*10^-6kg/C...
  8. J

    Electrolysis of Seawater under pressure

    I have perused a number of related posts, but have not found the answer I'm looking for. My problem is this: I need to electrolyze seawater and capture the gas at a given pressure (I'm mixing the O2 and H2). It seems to me that there should be a relationship of the form: dVolume...
  9. A

    Questions on Electrolysis and Fuel Cells

    Hey all, This is just a post about some questions I had regarding electrolysis and fuel cells. I know that when electricity is forced through water the water molecules split, and produce hydrogen and oxygen gas. I was wondering how things like the electrode material and how far apart they are...
  10. B

    What Is the Process of Depositing Metal Particles in Pure Water Called?

    The only kind of electrolysis I've learned about is electrolysis of salts dissolved in water. In that case there's current flowing through between the two electrodes but what do you call the process where you submerge 2 electrodes of the same metal in pure water in order to produce a solution of...
  11. P

    Electrolysis of NaCl: Na+ + Cl- to NaOH + Cl2

    Homework Statement Why does electrolysis of molten NaCl yield sodium and chlorine, while electrolysis of a solution of NaCl in water yields sodium hydroxide and chlorine. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Is it because H+ is more readily reduced than Na+? 2H+ + 2e --> H2 Eo= 0...
  12. T

    Solving Electrolysis Questions: NaBr(aq) & Comparing Eo Values

    Here is the question: Predict the products formed at the anode and at the cathode when NaBr(aq) is electrolysed using inert electrodes Answer: Somehow i got 2 different answers by different answer sheets One of them stated that Br2 gas (anode) and H2 gas (cathode) would be liberated...
  13. K

    Why are carbon, platinum, and gold inert in electrolysis?

    Homework Statement Why are carbon, platinum and gold inert? Homework Equations Duplet or Octet configuration The Attempt at a Solution We use inert elements such as carbon, platinum and gold as the electrodes to prevent the electrodes react with the electrolyte. As far as I know...
  14. S

    Water electrolysis equipment

    Hi all, Currently, my school wants to buy a water electrolysis machine to produce H2. From my point of view it is stupid but no choice. Does anyone here know any company make water electrolysis machine in medium or large volume? I will directly contact them. I have search by google but the...
  15. N

    Gibbs energy of formation and electrolysis efficiency

    Hello - I'm having some problems understanding Gibbs energy of formation, and how it's applied to electrolysis. So, I'm hoping someone can explain what I'm doing wrong.. According to his site: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/Hbase/thermo/electrol.html (image) The change in the Gibbs...
  16. S

    Relationship between d.c. volts and electrolysis in steel

    We use a 10v a.c. signal through to a small steel sensor (SMO 254) in wastewater - and the control device looks for a conductive path to ground to determine that the level of liquid is over the sensor. We don't use d.c. because of the electrolysis effect - but the circuit we use could have a...
  17. J

    Predict the products of electrolysis

    Homework Statement What products are expected in the electrolysis of CuBr2(aq)? Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution This is actually a solved example from my textbook that I have a question about. It says to first consider the possible reactions at the cathode. Since...
  18. H

    Problem: electrolysis & lime coating wires

    Hi all. I build a project that detects the level of the water reservoir and shows that digitally using the 7-segment display... It worked... This requires a wire with positive voltage (5V) to be at the bottom of the water reservoir (it's a copper - network wire) and a number of...
  19. K

    HELP A problem on quantitative aspects of electrolysis

    HELP!A problem on quantitative aspects of electrolysis Homework Statement A quantity of electric charge brings about the deposition of 3.34 g Cu at a cathode during the electrolysis of a solution containing Cu2+(aq). What volume of H2(g) measured at 27.8oC and 767 mmHg, would be produced by...
  20. D

    What caused the unexpected results in my electrolysis of Iron Oxide?

    I for inquisitional purposes only recently attempted electrolysis of Iron to create Iron oxide. I used a car battery charger (12v, 2.7A) and two large (assumed iron) nails; a de-ionized water solution (200ml) with approx. 15g sea salt (claimed 99.995%). After starting the reaction (outside with...
  21. N

    Faraday's Law of Electrolysis

    Homework Statement According to the Faraday's law of electrolysis, does the mass given as a result indicate the total difference of the masses of both the anode or cathode, or just one electrode? Thank you Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution
  22. D

    Why is Electrolysis Not Efficient?

    Is energy lost to heat?...or is lost to the oxygen?
  23. N

    Electrolysis & PEMs: Positive Electrode, Negative Electrode, O2 Gas

    How would a PEM work with a positive electrode, and negative electrode, with a PEM right between them within water. Would O2 gas form on the membrane itself? How does this improve efficiency compared to the same cell without a PEM?
  24. N

    Electrolyte + electrolysis efficiency

    Hello, Does adding electrolyte increase the efficiency of h2o electrolysis? If so, is there a formula to figure out ideal electrolytes, etc? Does the electrolyte weaken the H2O covalent bonds, or just allow current to flow easier between electrodes? Thanks,
  25. A

    Calculating Electical Energy Needed for Water Electrolysis at Sea Level

    My question is: how much elctrical energy is required to separate 1 liter of water into hydrogen & Oxygen at sea leavel? I would like to see the method (equations) explained. Thank you, A Vowles
  26. B

    Water Electrolysis and Water Dissociation with RF waves

    THIS IS NOT A HOMEWORK QUESTION. As Physicist of course I'm sure you've heard about the water dissociation with Radio waves that john kanzius discovered and I have a few questions on my mind listed below 1) What is the difference between this phenomenon and water electrolysis? Is it true...
  27. M

    Regarding consevation of energy on electrolysis

    Hi there. I'm a Brasilian high school student. Some time ago we studied electrolysis reactions (rather fast and less deep than I expected, but anyway) and one question that popped into my mind some time later, when taking some electricity principles into account, was the following: Faraday's...
  28. R

    Forming PbO2 by Electrolysis: Lead Plates & Battery Experiments

    A while back I did an experiment, I placed two lead sheets in a H2SO4 solution, exposed it to a charging current and tested the battery there after. As I understand it, the battery worked by the metal combination of PbO2 and Pb, and through electrolysis I formed the PbO2 directly on the...
  29. K

    Electrolysis of water - Bubble control

    Hi to all! In the simple electrolysis of water, may you point me in the right direction with regards to: 1) Rate of evolution 2) Bubble size control As in what parameters will affect the above (eg voltage? diameter of exposed wire? length of exposed wire? salt content?) Better...
  30. T

    Quick Q - what readily-available metals won't corrode in electrolysis?

    I am using water electrolysis, and I need some bolts to be the anode/cathodes and I don't want them to corrode. Before anyone asks I will not be adding salt so there will be no chlorine. Thanks!
  31. marcus

    New catalyst may impact energy storage (MIT, electrolysis)

    this EurekAlert page links to a MIT press release describing the operation of the new catalyst and potential applications http://search.eurekalert.org/e3/query.html?qt=Nocera&col=ev3rel&qc=ev3rel&x=12&y=16 Dan Nocera is the main person responsible. Here's a ScienceDaily account...
  32. B

    Energy needed for the electrolysis of water

    I am exploring a problem of my own and am confused by the contradictory info that I am finding. Problem Statement: What is the minimum energy required to obtain 32 g of diatomic oxygen (one mole) and 4 g of hydrogen (two mole) via the electrolysis of water in the presence of some electrolyte...
  33. H

    How can I electrolyze 30 liters of water in 15 minutes?

    hey guys, I'm new here but i wud like to know how to electrolyse about 30 litres of water in about 15 minutes,please do tell the answer or give any reply that wud help.
  34. P

    Troubleshooting Home-Made Hofmann Apparatus for Electrolysis

    Hi, i recently constructed a hofmann apparatus at home out of pvc and had some trouble with it. Basically, once it is set up, i only get gas from one electrode, the other does nothing. H2SO4 is used as the electrolyte, and the is 12 volts at 4 amps being put through it, DC. are there any simple...
  35. C

    Producing hydrogen using electrolysis while avoiding chlorine poisoning

    I want to produce about ten cubic meters of hydrogen gas using electrolysis in my home. How do I make sure the chlorine gas that is also produced is not going to cause problems? :confused:
  36. H

    Why Electrolysis of ZnSO4 Won't Coat with Zinc Metal

    [SOLVED] Electrolysis, coating 2. Relevant equation Why electrolysis of aqueous zinc sulfate is not used for coating with zinc metal? The Attempt at a Solution The following reaction has more positive electrode potential: (SO4)2- + 4H+ + 2e => H2SO3 + H2O than the reaction 2H+ + 2e- => H2(g)...
  37. H

    Electrolysis, factors=>n(product)

    [SOLVED] Electrolysis, factors=>n(product) 2. Relevant equation Which pair of factors both affect the amount (in mol) of chlorine produced in the electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride? A. current and temperature B. temperature and chloride ion concentration C. chloride ion...
  38. J

    Exploring Cold Fusion and Electrolysis: A Beginner's Journey

    Hi I am by no means an expert nor have I even ever taken a class on physics. I have always been interested on such subjects however. Here is my question. I am doing research on electrolysis and found something interesting on a wikipedia with regards to cold fusion. "Cold fusion...
  39. K

    Tough electrolysis question (really )

    tough electrolysis question (really!) Homework Statement When an iron sheet is made the anode during electrolysis of very conc. KOH, an anion containing iron in a high oxidation state is formed in solution. The addition of an excess of Ba(NO3)2 to this solution precipitates a red solid...
  40. S

    Electrolysis for Generating Hydrogen: Best Conductor?

    I'm trying to use electrolysis to generate hydrogen. I was wondering, what would be the best material to use for the conductor (the exposed part in the water, which generates the bubbles). I know graphite can be used, but what else that will not contaminate the hydrogen. Thanks!
  41. S

    Electrolysis in Cu/Hg electrolytic cell

    Homework Statement http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/7135/electrolysisrf2.jpg What is the ratio of number of moles of copper deposited to the number of moles of mercury deposited? {n(Cu):n(Hg)} 2. The attempt at a solution Well the species present are; \begin{array}{l} Cu^{2 + } /SO_4...
  42. P

    Maximizing Chlorine Gas Production in Brine Electrolysis

    hello. I'm new member here. i have some question regarding my brine electrolysis experiment. really hope somebody can help me. I'm using saturated brine in the compartment and graphite as electrode at anode and cathode. i can see the reaction at the anode and cathode was very vigorous and many...
  43. L

    Can a capacitor be used to fuel the electrolysis process?

    Can a capacitor be used to fuel the electrolysis process?
  44. C

    What is the maximum voltage for my homemade electrolyser?

    Talking about electrolysis, what happens to the excess power input when gas production rate remains constant even though power is increased? Droplets of water settled at the top of my gas storage cylinder, does this mean excess power is converted into heat which vaporises water in the electrolyte?
  45. C

    Electrolysis of Water: How Rheostat Affects Bubbles Produced

    While doing electrolysis of water, I have put a rheostat and a battery in series with the apparatus. I found that when I increase the resistance of the rheostat, the number of bubbles produced per second decreases. How can you explain that?
  46. S

    Effect of pressure on electrolysis of water

    I recently obtained a 45 watt solar panel, and have been thinking of setting up a hydrogen production experiment. I wonder if anyone has any experience with this that might be helpful? For example, it occurs to me that electrolysis in a closed chamber would have to produce an increase in...
  47. G

    Building a Electrolysis for water

    Can anyone point me into a right direction on building one of these lab tools?:smile: Pleeeeeeeeze
  48. P

    Solutions, electrolysis, current and time

    Homework Statement An 800 milliliter .08 molar Ag+ solution was electrolyzed, resulting in the formation of solid silver and oxygen gas. The solution was subjected to a current of 2 amperes for 10 minutes. The solution became progressively more acidic as the reaction progressed. a)...
  49. T

    Using lightning for electrolysis

    I was wondering what would happen if you somehow were able to harness a bolt of lightning into an electrolysis reaction? Normally you would use DC current and put 2 electrodes in a bucket of water. The water will split into 2 hydrogen and 1 oxygen molecule. With the lightning, you would have...
  50. B

    Chemical Reaction of Baking Soda during electrolysis

    I was wondering if someone could tell me the chemical reaction of Baking Soda during electrolysis. According to wikapedia baking soda is sodium bicarbonate witht he formula NaHCO3. And/or could someone explain how i could figure out te chemical reaction of different items during electrolysis...
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