Products of Concentrated Barium Chloride Electrolysis?

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SUMMARY

The electrolysis of a 1.6M Barium Chloride solution using graphite electrodes resulted in a black coloration of the electrolyte, indicating potential graphite exfoliation. Chlorine gas was likely produced at the anode, confirmed by its distinct odor. The experiment suggests that the presence of barium may facilitate graphite exfoliation, as similar tests with other chloride electrolytes did not yield the same results. Further investigation is recommended, including trials with non-graphite electrodes to determine the source of the black product.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrolysis principles
  • Familiarity with Barium Chloride solutions
  • Knowledge of graphite electrode behavior under electrolysis
  • Basic chemistry of gas production during electrolysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Conduct experiments using non-graphite electrodes in Barium Chloride electrolysis
  • Investigate the effects of varying voltage on graphite electrode degradation
  • Research the chemical properties of Ba(OH)2 and its behavior in electrolysis
  • Explore alternative electrolytes to compare results with Barium Chloride
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Chemistry students, electrolysis researchers, and anyone interested in the effects of electrolytes on electrode materials.

Miles123K
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Are there any products from the electrolysis that would have turned the electrolyte black?
I did an electrolysis experiment with 1.6M Barium Chloride solution and the electrolyte turned black after the electrolysis. I am fairly positive that Chlorine was produced at the anode from the smell. However, Ba(OH)2 is colorless. I used graphite electrodes for this experiment. Does anyone have any idea about what could have happened along the way?
 
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Graphite can exfoliate under moderate to high voltages. You probably have a suspension of graphite in water.
 
TeethWhitener said:
Graphite can exfoliate under moderate to high voltages. You probably have a suspension of graphite in water.
That makes a lot of sense! However, I also did the same procedure with other electrolytes. Also Chlorides. And those electrolytes didn't show the same thing. Does the presence of barium make the exfoliation easier or something? Thanks for your answer!
 
I dunno, maybe. One simple test would be to use electrodes not made of graphite to see if you still get a black product with the barium electrolyte.

it also wouldn’t hurt to take a look at the graphite electrodes after the reaction: are they expanded? Degraded looking?
 
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TeethWhitener said:
I dunno, maybe. One simple test would be to use electrodes not made of graphite to see if you still get a black product with the barium electrolyte.

it also wouldn’t hurt to take a look at the graphite electrodes after the reaction: are they expanded? Degraded looking?
Right. The electrodes didn't look any different but I will attempt another trial to check if it's actually graphite exfoliation.
 

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