Electrochemical Industries

Ashna Singh
190103018
III CHE
Electrochemistry :

Electrochemistry electrochemistry deals with:

• Exothermic chemical changes electrical changes. (Voltaic or Galvanic cell)
• Electrical energy Endothermic chemical changes.(Electrolytic cell)
Classification of electrochemical
industries:
1. Aqueous electrolytic:
• Electro separation (Chlorine- Caustic)
• Electrowinning (Low purity 'Cu’ from ore leaching)
• Electrorefining (High purity 'Cu’ from Crude copper electrode)
• Electroplating ('Ni’ and 'Cr’ plating on steel)
2. Fused Electrolytic ( Al, Mg, Na cells)
3. Electrothermal (calcium carbide, calcium cyanide, graphite, synthetic abrasives
such as silicon carbide, arc processes)
4. Electric furnacing (alloy steels)
5. Chemical to electric discharge (Batteries, fuel cells)
Classification of electrochemical industries
(continued) :
6. Gas phase electric discharge ( ozone)
7. Electro organic chemical processes (adiponitrile, tetraethyl lead)

Electrochemical principles are also used in dealing with corrosion

phenomena.
Single electrode potential:
It is defined as the potential developed at the interphase between the metal
and the solution, when a metal is dipped in a solution containing its own
ions.

The standard electrode potential or EMF series is given Based on 1N

solution and relative to hydrogen.

It is used to measure relative strengths of various oxidants and reductants. It

is used to calculate standard cell potential. It is used to predict possible
reactions. Prediction of equilibrium in the reaction.

*The system is adopted from the the National Bureau of Standards the
electrochemical society USA. It is sometimes called the European system.*
Cell Notation:
1. Single electrode potential: Volatic cell (e.g. Danielle cell)
A | A+(aq.) Anode - Cathode +
B+(aq.) | B Zn|Zn++ || Cu++|Cu
2. Conventional cell Notation: -0.522V +0.581V

A | A+(aq.) || B+(aq.) | B E= 0.581 – (- 0.522) = + 1.103V

anode cathode
Some practical problems in using electrochemical theory:

Actual voltage and voltage efficiency:

Polarization: the theoretical EMF is not equal to the EMF actual EMF
because of irreversible conditions effects mostly polarization.
Caused by: gas absorption, concentration gradient and electrode impurities
which form on the surface during electrolysis giving a high resistance(R) and
inefficiency in terms of I2R losses.
Some practical problems in using electrochemical theory:-

Voltage efficiency(nv) = (Er/Ea) x 100

Decomposition efficiency(nD ) = eqt. Produced/ eqt. changed
Current efficiency (ni ) = ( Ir /Ia ) x 100
Energy efficiency(nw) = nv x ni
Examples of electrochemical industries:
Electrochemical industries became an important economic factor prior
to world war second.
Use of simple rather pure raw materials and cheaper electric power
(hydraulic and thermal)
Three chief electrochemical industries:
1. Chlorine caustic (chlor-alkali)
2. Aluminium (metallurgical industry)
3. Phosphorus
Graphite furnishes electrothermal phase of the industry.
Thank you