Why Electrolysis of ZnSO4 Won't Coat with Zinc Metal

[Hevonen]

[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); so H2SO3 would form at cathode. However, the right answer is that H+(aq) discharged preferentially because cations in solution =H+(aq),Zn2+(aq).
Do you know why?Thank you in advance!

 

[GCT]

Cations assist in transfer of the proton throughout the solution. It's similar to the notion that water conducts electricity better when it is more "ionic".

 

[Hevonen]

Cations assist in transfer of the proton throughout the solution. It's similar to the notion that water conducts electricity better when it is more "ionic".

Do you mean that I cannot look straight away at the substance of greatest electrode potential?

 

[GCT]

This question seems to be rather simple - when you have cations in solution it attracts the negatively charged sulfate

In addition this latter reaction requires 4 molar equivalence of protons compared to only 2 for the other reaction.

What are the respective values of the electrode potentials for both reactions and also please inform us on the exact answer for this problem. It seems to me that the conversion of the proton to hydrogen gas would be more favored as the formation of sulfuric acid from sulfate is not favored in many circumstances.

 

[Hevonen]

Standard Electrode Potentials:

(SO4)2- + 4H+ + 2e => H2SO3 + H2O, E = +0.17V

2H+ + 2e- => H2(g), E = +0.00V

Exact answer:
Cations in the solution are H+(aq) and Zn2+(aq).
=> H+(aq) discharged preferentially (I do not understand this in the light of above potentials.)

 

[GCT]

What the answer is referring to is comparing the zinc reactions with that of the proton - in particular note the standard reduction potential of reducing zinc 2+ .

Remember , this isn't a galvanic pathway it is an electrolytic pathway.

 

[Hevonen]

What the answer is referring to is comparing the zinc reactions with that of the proton - in particular note the standard reduction potential of reducing zinc 2+ .

Remember , this isn't a galvanic pathway it is an electrolytic pathway.

Thanks! Now, I understand. The key is the aqueous solution and electrolytic cell.