Author Topic: How to know when electrolysis is finished?  (Read 1247 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

ning

  • Guest
How to know when electrolysis is finished?
« on: August 24, 2003, 12:54:00 AM »
I notice in the electroreduction papers, they usually quote yield vs. "current"-- theoretical joules, I suppose.
But most chemists measure yield by how much starting material changed to the desired product. So, by running the electrolysis longer, I get the distinct impression those 60% yields would go up much. Only question is--how much longer? How to tell when it's done? Just guess, say, 20-30%  longer, based on hydrogen production? Any ideas?

I like this electrochemistry stuff.

Rhodium

  • Guest
why they stop early
« Reply #1 on: August 24, 2003, 01:10:00 AM »
Usually, when they stop the electrolysis before all the starting material is converted, it is because they have found that by-products are formed if they continue. Therefore they rather stop prematurely and recycle the starting material, rather than risk "zapping" any of the desired product formed in the first place.

ning

  • Guest
I guess so....
« Reply #2 on: August 24, 2003, 03:51:00 AM »
Seems some experimenting is in order. One of those documents described good results from spongy lead. Maybe like a car battery plate...