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Electrochemistry
Electrochemistry
Redox reactions
Oxidation : loses electrons/oxidation
number increases /loses
hydrogen/accepts oxygen
Reduction : accepts electrons/oxidation
number decreases /accepts
hydrogen/loses oxygen
Calculation of oxidation numbers
APPLICATIONS OF ELECTROLYSIS
1.Electrolysis is the chemical
decomposition of a substance
(electrolyte) by an electric current
2.Electrodes :
Anode ( + )
Cathode ( -)
3.Electrolyte : ionic compound ( molten
or aqueous solution )
Consists of cations ( positive ions )
And negative ions ( anions )
4.During electrolysis :
a.Cations → cathode ( reduction )
b.Anions → anode ( oxidation )
5.Example :
Electrolyte : molten PbBr2
Cathode (reduction) :
Pb2+ (l) + 2e- → Pb (s)
Anode ( oxidation ) :
2 Br- (l) - 2e- → Br2 (g)
More than one cation and / or anion
selective discharge
EXTRACTION OF
ALUMINIUM
a.Extracted by electrolysis of molten
salts ( not aqueous solutions )
b.Importance : Al widely used due to its
properties
Light , strong , good electrical
conductor ,does not corrode
c.Extracted from ore : bauxite
d.Electrolyte : pure alumina ( Al2O3 ) and
cryolite ( Na3AlF6 )
Function of cryolite : to lower m.p of
Al2O3 ( from 2050o C to about 950o C )
e.Electrodes : graphite anode and
cathode
f.Equations :
i)Cathode : Al3+ (l) + 3e- → Al (s)
ii)Anode : 2 O2- (l) → O2 (g) + 4e-
Iii)Overall equation :
2 Al2O3 (l) → 4 Al(s) + 3 O2 (g)
g.Al which is more dense sinks to the
bottom and is syphoned off
h.At the high operating temp ,carbon anode
blocks replaced often due to oxidation to CO2
by O2 evolved
C (s) + O2 (g) → CO2 (g) ,
H highly exothermic ,heat evolved helps to
partly maintain electrolyte in molten state
i.Pollutants :
i) CO(g) : from incomplete combustion of anode
ii) fluorine : from cryolite : 2F- → F2 + 2e-
Fluorine is corrosive and toxic
PURIFICATION OF COPPER