Al(OH)3 as an electrolyte. What does it produce?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the electrochemical behavior of Aluminum Hydroxide (Al(OH)3) when subjected to direct current (dc). Participants explore the products formed at the electrodes, including solid precipitates and gas evolution, as well as the corrosion of the positive terminal. The scope includes experimental observations and theoretical interpretations related to electrolysis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant observes solid precipitate forming at the negative terminal and gas bubbles at both terminals, suspecting the solid to be Aluminum Oxide.
  • Another participant questions the type of electrodes used and suggests that the solid could be AlO2, proposing a possible reaction involving Al(OH)3.
  • Concerns are raised about the correct form of aluminum oxide, with a participant noting that the stable form is Al2O3.
  • One participant confirms using two aluminum electrodes and acknowledges the possibility of forming Al2O3 during the process.
  • References to anodization processes are made, linking the observations to the electrolytic thickening of the oxide layer on aluminum.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the specific products formed during the electrolysis of Aluminum Hydroxide, particularly regarding the form of aluminum oxide. There is no consensus on the exact nature of the solid precipitate or the reactions occurring at the electrodes.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various reactions and forms of aluminum oxide without resolving the underlying assumptions or definitions of the compounds involved. The discussion remains open-ended regarding the precise electrochemical processes at play.

gabede
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I am running a dc current through a solution of Aluminum Hydroxide and I see a solid precipitating from the negative terminal, and bubbles coming from both terminals. Also, the positive terminal is corroding with little tiny holes in it. What is the solid being produced, and what is happening to the positive terminal. I know that the bubbles are hydrogen at the negative terminal, and oxygen at the positive terminal. I suspect that the solid is Aluminum Oxide, but I cannot find much proof through research.
 
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gabede said:
I am running a dc current through a solution of Aluminum Hydroxide and I see a solid precipitating from the negative terminal, and bubbles coming from both terminals. Also, the positive terminal is corroding with little tiny holes in it. What is the solid being produced, and what is happening to the positive terminal. I know that the bubbles are hydrogen at the negative terminal, and oxygen at the positive terminal. I suspect that the solid is Aluminum Oxide, but I cannot find much proof through research.

Do you use dissimilar electrode? What electrodes are you using?
Probably yes, its AlO2. Reaction could be this Al(OH)3→H+1/2O2+AlO2
 
Ronie Bayron said:
Do you use dissimilar electrode? What electrodes are you using?
Probably yes, its AlO2. Reaction could be this Al(OH)3→H+1/2O2+AlO2
Are you sure about that form for aluminum oxide? It's common, stable form is Al2O3.
 
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I used two aluminum electrodes.
 
Redbelly98 said:
Are you sure about that form for aluminum oxide? It's common, stable form is Al2O3.
Yes, my bad. That could also be the case. I think you are right about it.
It's called Anodization of aluminium (page 5 of 11)
 
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gabede said:
I used two aluminum electrodes.
Read through here: http://people.uleth.ca/~roussel/C1000/slides/12group13metals.pdf
 

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