Electrolysis of Aqueous Solutions

(Copper Sulfate Solution)

An aqueous solution consists of an ionic compound dissolved in water.

The ions in an aqueous solution are free to move and the solution can therefore conduct electricity.
Aqueous solutions are called electrolytes.

In aqueous solutions, water molecules break down to produce H+ ions and OH– ions.

H2O H+ + OH–

Aqueous solutions, therefore, contain a mixture of H+ and OH– ions as well as the ions of the ionic
compound.

The products of the electrolysis of an aqueous solution depend upon the relative reactivity of the
elements in the solution.

At the positive electrode (anode): At the negative electrode (cathode):

• negative ions lose electrons;
• oxidation takes place;
• oxygen is produced unless the
solution contains halide ions, in which
case the halogen is produced.
• positive ions gain electrons;
• reduction takes place;
• hydrogen is produced unless the metal
ion is less reactive than hydrogen, in
which case the metal is produced.

Copper Sulfate Solution

Copper sulfate solution contains Cu2+, SO42–, H+ and OH– ions.

negative electrode (cathode)

power supply
positive electrode (anode)
copper sulfate solution
(electrolyte)

Since copper is less reactive

Since there are no halide ions than hydrogen, copper is
present, oxygen is formed at formed at the cathode.
the anode. Cu2+ + 2e– Cu
– –
4OH O2 + 2H2O + 4e This can be observed by
This can be observed by the the formation of a layer of
formation of bubbles at the orange-pink metal on the
anode. surface of the cathode.