University:
California State University, Northridge
Course:
CHEM 100 | Principles of Chemistry
Academic year:

2023
Views:

100

Pages:

1
Author:

SMauren

Uses of Electrolysis Cells 1. Gilding/Metal Coating Process Iron/steel metal is easily susceptible to corrosion/rust. To protect iron/steel from corrosion, the iron/steel is coated with a metal that is difficult to oxidize, such as nickel (Ni), tin (Sn), chrome (Cr), silver (Ag), or gold (Au). The working principle of metal plating is a solution electrolysis cell using reacting electrodes. Example : The process of gilding/coating iron metal with gold Cathode: iron metal (Fe) Anode: gold metal (Au) AuCl3 (aq) solution is used as a conductor. Reaction : AuC13 (aq) Au3+(aq) + 3 Cl– (aq) Cathode (Fe) : Au 3+(aq) + 3 e– Au3+(aq) + 3 Cl– (aq) Anode (Au) : Au(s) Au3+(aq) + 3 e– Process: The gold metal at the anode is oxidized and turns into Au3+ ions. Au3+ ions combine with Au3+ ions in solution. Then the Au3+ ions at the cathode are reduced to form gold deposits. Because iron is used in the cathode, gold deposits will coat the iron. 2. Dirty Metal Purification Process The principle of purifying transition metals is by using a solution electrolysis reaction with a reacting electrode. Impure metal is placed at the anode and pure metal is placed at the cathode. The solution used is one that has these metal cations. Example : refining copper metal Cathode : pure copper Anode : dirty copper (to be purified) Used CuSO4 solution Reaction : CuSO4 (aq) Cu2+ + Cathode (pure Cu) : Cu2+(aq) + 2 e– Cu(s) Anode (dirty Cu) : Cu(s) Cu2+(aq) + 2 e– Process: The dirty Cu metal is oxidized and turns into a Cu2+ solution. Cu2+ ions combine with the existing solution and move to the cathode. At the cathode, Cu2+ ions are reduced to form metal again. When the Cu2+ ions at the anode move to the cathode, there must be a filter, so that only Cu2+ ions go to the cathode , while the impurities remain at the anode. As a result, the cathode area is a clean area and the deposited Cu2+ will produce pure Cu metal.

Uses Of Electrolysis Cells

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