Introduction To Electrolysis of Copper II Chloride Solution

Introduction to
Electrolysis of Copper
(II) Chloride Solution
This presentation will explore the process of
electrolyzing a dilute copper (II) chloride solution
using carbon electrodes. We will examine the
fundamental principles, reactions, and practical
considerations of this important electrochemical
process.
by Yong Le En & Lewis Yap
Concentration of copper (II) chloride
solution
The concentration of the copper (II) chloride solution in this
electrolysis process is 0.0001 mol dm^-3. This is an extremely
dilute solution, with only a small amount of copper ions present.
0.0001 $
0.0001 $
mol dm^-3 copper (II) chloride Very low concentration
Choice of Carbon Electrodes
Durable and Conductive Inert Electrode Material Wide Availability and

Low Cost
Carbon electrodes are a Carbon is an inert material that Carbon electrodes are widely
common choice for the does not participate in the available and relatively
electrolysis of copper (II) electrode reactions, making it a inexpensive, making them a
chloride solution due to their suitable choice for this process. cost-effective option for this
durability and high electrical electrolysis application.
conductivity.
Electrode Reactions during Electrolysis
Oxidation at Anode
At the positive electrode (anode), the copper (II) chloride solution undergoes
oxidation, releasing electrons and forming chlorine gas.
Reduction at Cathode
At the negative electrode (cathode), the copper (II) ions in the solution are reduced,
causing metallic copper to be deposited on the electrode.
Ion Migration
The copper (II) ions and chloride ions in the solution migrate towards their
respective electrodes, facilitating the redox reactions.
Oxidation and Reduction Half-Reactions
1 Oxidation Half-Reaction 2 Reduction Half-Reaction

At the anode, the oxidation of the At the cathode, the reduction of the
copper (II) ions occurs, where copper copper (II) ions takes place, where the
atoms lose electrons and are converted copper (II) ions gain electrons and are
into copper (II) ions. deposited as metallic copper.
3 Balanced Half-Reactions
The overall balanced half-reactions describe the electron transfer process during the
electrolysis of the copper (II) chloride solution.
Calculation of theoretical amount of copper
deposited
To calculate the theoretical amount of copper deposited during the electrolysis of the 0.0001 mol dm-3
copper (II) chloride solution, we can use Faraday's law of electrolysis. This law states that the mass of a
substance deposited at an electrode is directly proportional to the amount of electric charge passed
through the solution.
The theoretical amount of copper deposited can be calculated using the following formula:
m = (Q × M) / (n × F)
Where:
• m is the mass of copper deposited (in grams)

• Q is the total electric charge passed (in coulombs)
• M is the molar mass of copper (63.55 g mol-1)
• n is the number of electrons transferred per copper ion (n = 2)
• F is the Faraday constant (96,485 C mol-1)
By plugging in the values for this specific electrolysis process, we can calculate the theoretical amount of
copper deposited.
Factors affecting the efficiency of the
electrolysis process
Current Density Temperature Purity of Reactants

The current density, or the The temperature of the The presence of impurities in
amount of current per unit electrolyte solution can the copper (II) chloride
area of the electrode, can influence the rate of the solution or the carbon
impact the efficiency. Higher electrochemical reactions. electrodes can interfere with
current densities may lead to Higher temperatures typically the desired electrochemical
increased heat generation and increase the reaction kinetics reactions, reducing the overall
undesirable side reactions. and may improve efficiency, efficiency of the process.
but should be carefully
controlled.
Practical Considerations and Safety
Measures
Electrical Safety Chemical Ventilation Equipment
Handling Maintenance
Perform the
Ensure the electrical Wear protective electrolysis in a Regularly inspect
setup is properly equipment like well-ventilated area and clean the
grounded and all goggles and lab to prevent the electrodes and
connections are coats when working buildup of electrolysis cell to
secure to prevent with the copper (II) potentially ensure optimal
shocks. Wear chloride solution. hazardous gases. performance and
insulated gloves Avoid skin contact Use a fume hood if avoid
and take necessary and follow proper available to ensure contamination.
precautions when disposal protocols proper air Replace worn or
handling the live for the chemical circulation. damaged
electrical waste. components as
components. needed.
Potential Applications of the Electrolysis
Process
The electrolysis of copper(II) chloride solution
has several potential applications:
1. Metal extraction and purification: The

process can be used to extract and purify
copper metal from impure solutions.
2. Electroplating: The deposition of copper
onto a surface can be used for
electroplating, improving corrosion
3. resistance and aesthetics.

Chemical synthesis: The oxidation and
reduction reactions involved can be
harnessed for targeted chemical
synthesis.
Conclusion and Summary
Key Takeaways Practical Applications
The electrolysis of a 0.0001 mol dm^-3 This process has potential applications in
copper (II) chloride solution using carbon metal recovery, electroplating, and
electrodes demonstrates the principles of chemical synthesis, with considerations
electrochemical deposition. around efficiency and safety.
Future Potential
Further research and optimization could lead to improved performance and expanded uses of
this electrolysis technique.

Introduction To Electrolysis of Copper II Chloride Solution

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Introduction To Electrolysis of Copper II Chloride Solution

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Introduction To Electrolysis of Copper II Chloride Solution

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Introduction to

Durable and Conductive Inert Electrode Material Wide Availability and

1 Oxidation Half-Reaction 2 Reduction Half-Reaction

• m is the mass of copper deposited (in grams)

Current Density Temperature Purity of Reactants

1. Metal extraction and purification: The

3. resistance and aesthetics.

You might also like