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Types Of Electrodes In Electrolysis

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The discharge of ions during electrolysis can be in uenced by the types of electrodes used. Some
electrodes are inert (do not take part in electrolytic reaction) while other electrodes are reactive
(which may in uence the ionic discharge). Platinum or carbon electrodes are examples of inert
electrodes.

One example of reactive electrodes changing the ionic discharge will be the electrolysis of
Copper (II) sulphate using copper electrodes.

Recall: If the electrolysis of copper (II) sulphate is done using carbon electrodes, oxygen is
released at the anode and copper is deposited at the cathode.

Case Study: Electrolysis Of Copper (II) Sulphate Using Copper Electrodes

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Case Study: Electrolysis Of Copper (II) Sulphate Using Copper Electrodes

Electrodes: Copper

Electrolyte: Copper (II) sulphate solution

2+ 2−
C uS O4 (aq) → C u (aq) + S O (aq)
4

+ −
H2 O(l) ⇌ H (aq) + OH (aq)

Ions present in the electrolyte: H + , OH

−
, Cu
2+
and S O2−
4

Reaction at CATHODE:
H
+
and C u2+ ions are attracted to the cathode.
Cu
2+
ions are preferentially discharged as C u2+ is lower in the electrochemical series than
+
H

Each C u2+ ion gains two electrons from the cathode to form one copper atom.
Copper metal is deposited on the cathode, which resulting in the copper cathode to become
larger.
2+ −
Cu (aq) + 2 e → C u(s)

Reaction at ANODE:
OH
−
and S O2−
4
are attracted to the anode.

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However, neither OH − nor S O2−

4
ions are discharged as the electrode is an active
electrode.
The copper electrode loses electrons more readily than OH − and S O2−
4
ions.
Each Cu atom loses two electrons to form C u2+ ion.
The copper anode will dissolve away to form C u2+ ions.
2+ −
C u(s) → C u (aq) + 2 e

Overall Reaction:
Concentration of copper (II) sulphate (electrolyte) remains unchanged. → Copper (II)
sulphate solution remains blue in colour
Copper from the anode is transferred from the anode to the cathode.

Additional Use:
This method can be used to re ne copper.
Impure copper is used as the anode while a piece of pure copper is used as the cathode.
Pure copper from the impure copper anode will dissolve into the electrolyte, and pure
copper is then deposited onto the copper cathode.
Impurities are left on the anode, which will then fall off to collect below the anode.

Case Study: Electrolysis Of Silver Nitrate Using Silver Electrodes

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Electrodes: Silver

Electrolyte: Silver nitrate solution

+ −
AgN O3 (aq) → A g (aq) + N O (aq)
3

+ 2−
H2 O(l) → 2 H (aq) + O (aq)

Ions present in solution: H + , Ag

+
, OH
−
and N O−
3

Reaction at CATHODE:
H
+
and Ag + ions are attracted to the cathode.
Ag
+
ions are preferentially discharged as Ag + is lower than H + in the electrochemical
series.
Each Ag + ion gains one electron to form one silver atom.
Silver is deposited on the silver cathode.
+ −
Ag (aq) + e → Ag(s)

Reaction at ANODE:
OH
−
and N O−
3
ions are attracted to the anode.
Neither OH − nor N O−
3
are discharged as the electrode is an active electrode.
Silver atom loses electrons more readily than OH − and N O−
3
ions.
Each silver atom loses one electron to form one Ag + ion.
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Silver anode dissolves away to form Ag + ion.

+ −
Ag(s) → A g (aq) + e

Overall Reaction:
Silver nitrate is not decomposed → concentration of silver nitrate solution remains
unchanged.
Silver is transferred from the anode to the cathode.

Next: Applications Of Electrolysis In Industries 

 Previous: Electrolysis Of Aqueous Compounds

 Back To Electrolysis (O Level)

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