Electrolysis of Aqueous Solutions

(Sodium Chloride 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.

Sodium Chloride Solution

Sodium chloride solution contains Na+, Cl–, H+ and OH– ions.

negative electrode (cathode)

power supply
positive electrode (anode)
sodium chloride solution
(electrolyte)

Since the solution contains

Since sodium is more reactive
halide ions (Cl–) the halogen
than hydrogen, hydrogen is
chlorine is formed at the
formed at the cathode.
anode.
2H+ + 2e– H2
2Cl– Cl2 + 2e–
This can be observed by the
This can be observed by the
formation of bubbles at the
formation of bubbles at the
cathode.

The remaining Na+ ions and OH- ions react to produce NaOH, sodium hydroxide solution.