Voltage and electrode surface area

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the equation for determining the minimum voltage needed to start electrolysis using a graphite electrode in a brine solution. It also mentions the relationship between voltage and maximum current that can be applied. The minimum voltage is not dependent on the electrode surface, but the electrode area affects the current. According to Wikipedia, the minimum potential difference for water electrolysis is 1.23 volts, but external heat may be needed at that voltage.
  • #1
mksrm
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TL;DR Summary
relation between minimum voltage and surface area of electrode
Hi

I am looking to find the equation that determines the minimum (and if possible maximum that might damage the electrode) voltage that starts the electrolysis process for a given area of a graphite electrode in a brine solution medium (lets say 30%) at equilibrium state.

Also how does the relation of voltage and maximum possible current to be applied be determined ?

Any help is greatly appreciated.
 
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  • #2
Voltage is not electrode surface dependent. Current is.
 
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mksrm said:
Summary: relation between minimum voltage and surface area of electrode

I am looking to find the equation that determines the minimum <<snip>> voltage that starts the electrolysis process

For the Minimum Voltage, the Wikipedia article is pretty good. And as Borek says, the electrode areas affect the current, not this minimum voltage:
Electrolysis of water requires a minimum potential difference of 1.23 volts, though at that voltage external heat is required from the environment.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elect...r requires a,is required from the environment.
 

FAQ: Voltage and electrode surface area

1. What is voltage and how does it relate to electrode surface area?

Voltage is a measure of the electric potential difference between two points in an electric circuit. It is often described as the force that drives electric current through a conductor. The voltage applied to an electrode is directly related to its surface area, as a larger surface area allows for more ions to be exchanged, resulting in a higher voltage.

2. How does electrode surface area affect the performance of a battery?

The surface area of an electrode plays a crucial role in the performance of a battery. A larger surface area allows for more active material to be present, which increases the battery's capacity and energy density. It also allows for faster ion exchange, resulting in a higher power output.

3. Can the surface area of an electrode be increased?

Yes, the surface area of an electrode can be increased through various methods such as roughening the surface or using porous materials. This is commonly done in battery manufacturing to improve the battery's performance.

4. How does voltage and electrode surface area impact the efficiency of an electrochemical reaction?

The voltage and electrode surface area have a direct impact on the efficiency of an electrochemical reaction. A higher voltage and larger surface area allow for more ions to be exchanged, resulting in a more efficient reaction. This is why batteries with larger surface areas and higher voltages tend to have better performance.

5. What is the relationship between voltage, electrode surface area, and current?

Ohm's law states that the current through a conductor is directly proportional to the voltage and inversely proportional to the resistance. In the case of electrodes, a higher voltage and larger surface area result in a higher current flow. This is because a larger surface area allows for more ions to be exchanged, resulting in a lower resistance and a higher current.

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