Electrolysis

Name:
Electrolysis
Detailed information:
Decomposition of water and other inorganic compounds in aqueous solution by means of an electric current, the extent being proportional to the quantity of electricity passing through the solution. The positive and negative ions formed are carried by the current to the oppositely charged electrodes, where they are collected (if wanted) or released (if unwanted). Metallic ions deposited on the electrode form a coating. A simple electrolysis is the separation of water into oxygen and hydrogen; this is one method of producing hydrogen. Somewhat more complicated is electrolysis of brine to chlorine and sodium hydroxide; this is carried out in electrolytic cells of the diaphragm or mercury type, with water taking part in the reaction. In electroplating, metal salts dissociate into their constituent ions, the positively charged metal ions coating the cathode. There are a number of variations of this process (electrodeposition, electrocoating, electroforming).See Electrolytic Cell; Ionization.