chapter 19 electrochemistry. copyright © cengage learning. all rights reserved.19 | 2 a voltaic...

Chapter 19Electrochemistry

Copyright © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. 19 | 2

A voltaic cell employs a spontaneous oxidation–reduction reaction as a source of energy. It separates the reaction into two half-reactions, physically separating one half-reaction from the other.


Our first step in studying electrochemical cell is to balance its oxidation–reduction reaction.

We will use the half-reaction method from Section 4.6 and extend it to acidic or basic solutions.

In this chapter we will focus on electron transfer rather than proton transfer so the hydronium ion, H3O+(aq), will be represented by its simpler notation, H+(aq). Only the notation, not the chemistry, is different.


We will be studying more complex situations, so our initial analysis is key.

First, we need to identify what is being oxidized and what is being reduced.

Then, we determine if the reaction is in acidic or basic conditions.


The next several topics describe battery cells or voltaic cells (galvanic cells).

An electrochemical cell is a system consisting of electrodes that dip into an electrolyte and in which a chemical reaction either uses or generates an electric current.


A voltaic or galvanic cell is an electrochemical cell in which a spontaneous reaction generates an electric current.

An electrolytic cell is an electrochemical cell in which an electric current drives an otherwise nonspontaneous reaction.


Physically, a voltaic cell consists of two half-cells that are electrically connected.

Each half-cell is the portion of the electrochemical cell in which a half-reaction takes place.

The electrical connections allow the flow of electrons from one electrode to the other.

The cells must also have an internal cell connection, such as a salt bridge, to allow the flow of ions.


x

The zinc metal atom loses two electrons, forming Zn2+ ions.

The Cu2+ ions gain two electrons,

forming solid copper.

The electrons flow through the external circuit from the zinc electrode to the copper electrode.

Ions flow through the salt bridge to maintain charge balance.


A salt bridge is a tube of electrolyte in a gel that is connected to the two half-cells of the voltaic cell. It allows the flow of ions but prevents the mixing of the different solutions that would allow direct reactions of the cell reactants.

In the salt bridge, cations move toward the cathode and anions move toward the anode.


The electrode at which oxidation takes place is called the anode.

The electrode at which reduction takes place is called the cathode.

Electrons flow through the external circuit from the anode to the cathode.


This figure below illustrates the same reaction, replacing the light bulb with a voltmeter. The solution on the right is now blue from the Cu2+ ion formed.

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You construct one half-cell of a voltaic cell by inserting a copper metal strip into a solution of copper(II) sulfate. You construct another half-cell by inserting

an aluminum metal strip in a solution of aluminum nitrate. You now connect the half-cells by a salt bridge. When connected to an external circuit, the aluminum is oxidized.

Sketch the resulting voltaic cell. Label the anode and the cathode, showing the corresponding half-reactions. Indicate the direction of electron flow in the external circuit.


SO42-

Al Al3+ + 3e-

e-e-

anode

Cu2+ + 2e- Cu

cathode

Cu2+

Cu

Al3+

NO3-

AlCA2+

NO3-


Voltaic cell notation is a shorthand method of describing a voltaic cell.

The oxidation half-cell, the anode, is written on the left.

The reduction half-cell, the cathode, is written on the right.


The cell terminal is written on the outside: left for the anode and right for the cathode.

Phase boundaries are shown with a single vertical bar, |.

For example, at the anode, the oxidation of Cu(s) to Cu2+(aq) is shown as Cu(s) | Cu2+(aq).

At the cathode, the reduction of Zn2+(aq) to Zn(s) is shown as Zn2+(aq) | Zn(s).


Between the anode and cathode the salt bridge is represented by two vertical bars, ||.

The complete notation for the reaction is

Cu(s) | Cu2+(aq) || Zn2+(aq) | Zn(s)


When the half-reaction involves a gas, the electrode is an inert material such as platinum, Pt. It is included as a third substance in the half-cell.

For example, the half-reaction of Cl2 being reduced to Cl- is written as follows:

Cl2(g) | Cl-(aq) | PtBecause this is a reduction, the electrode appears on the far right.

For the oxidation of H2(g) to H+(aq), the notation is

Pt | H2(g) | H+(aq)In this case, the electrode appears on the far left.


To fully specify a voltaic cell, it is necessary to give the concentrations of solutions or ions and the pressures of gases. In the cell notation, these values are written within parentheses for each species.

For example, the oxidation of Cu(s) to Cu2+(aq) at the anode and the reduction of F2(g) to F-(aq) at the cathode is written as follows:

Cu(s) | Cu2+(1.0 M) || F2(1.0 atm) | F-(1.0 M) | Pt

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The cell notation for a voltaic cell is

Al(s) | Al3+(aq) || Cu2+(aq) | Cu(s)

Write the cell reaction.

Our strategy is to write and balance each half-reaction, and then to combine the half-reactions to give the overall cell reaction.

The skeleton oxidation reaction is Al(s) Al3+(aq). The skeleton reduction reaction is Cu2+(aq) Cu(s).


Balanced oxidation half-reaction

Al(s) Al3+(aq) + 3e-

Balanced reduction half-reaction

Cu2+(aq) + 2e- Cu(s)

The common multiple of the electrons is 6. Combine the half-reactions by multiplying the oxidation half-reaction by 2 and the reduction half-reaction by 3.


2Al(s) 2Al3+(aq) + 6e-

3Cu2+(aq) + 6e- 3Cu(s)

2Al(s) + 3Cu2+(aq) 2Al3+(aq) + 3Cu(s)


Now we shift our focus to the movement of the electrons in the oxidation–reduction reaction.

To better understand this movement, we can compare the flow of electrons to the flow of water.


Just as work is required to pump water from one point to another, so work is required to move electrons.

Water flows from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure. Similarly, electrons flow from high electric potential to low electric potential. Electric potential can be thought of as electric pressure.


Potential difference is the difference in electric potential (electrical pressure) between two points. Potential difference is measured in the SI unit volt (V).

Electrical work = charge x potential difference

The SI units for this are

J = C × V

C

JV


The magnitude of charge on one mole of electrons is given by the Faraday constant, F. It equals 9.6485 × 103 C per mole of electrons.

1 F = 9.6485 × 103 C

Substituting this into the equation for work:

w = –F × potential difference

The term is negative because the cell is doing work in creating the current (that is, electron flow).


Normally the potential across the voltaic cell electrodes is less than the maximum possible.

One reason for this discrepancy is that it takes energy (work) to drive the current through the cell: The greater the current, the less the voltage. The cell has its maximum voltage only when no current flows.


The situation for electrons is analogous to that seen with water. The difference between water pressure in the tap and the pressure of the outside atmosphere is at its maximum when the tap is off; once the tap is on, the pressure difference decreases.


The maximum potential difference between the electrodes of a voltaic cell is called the cell potential or electromotive force (emf) of the cell, or Ecell.

Ecell can be measured with a digital voltmeter. The anode of a voltaic cell has negative polarity; the cathode has positive polarity.


The maximum work is given by the following equation:

Wmax = –nFEcell

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The emf of a particular cell is 0.500 V. The cell reaction is

2Al(s) + 3Cu2+(aq) 2Al3+(aq) + 3Cu(s)

Calculate the maximum electrical work of this cell obtained from 1.00 g of aluminum.


To determine the value of n (that is, the number of moles of electrons involved in either half-cell reaction), we need to examine the half-reactions.

2Al(s) 2Al3+(aq) + 6e-

3Cu2+(aq) + 6e- 3Cu(s)n = 6F = 96,485 C/mol

Ecell = 0.500 V = 0.500 J/C

wmax = –nFEcell

wmax = –(6 mol)(96,485 C/mol)(0.500 J/C)

wmax = 2.89 × 105 J


J 10 5.36 Alg 26.98

Almol 1

Almol 2

J 10 x 2.89 3

5

max w

wmax = 5.36 kJ

This is the energy corresponding to the balanced reaction, so we need to convert to one gram of aluminum.


A cell potential is a measure of the driving force of the cell reaction. It is composed of the oxidation potential for the oxidation half-reaction at the anode and the reduction potential, for the reduction half-reaction at the cathode.

Ecell = oxidation potential + reduction potential

The oxidation potential for a half-reaction =

–(reduction potential for the reverse half-reaction)


Because the oxidation and reduction potentials are opposites, we need to calculate only one or the other. By convention, reduction potentials are calculated and are called electrode potentials, E (with no subscript).

Electrode potentials are a measure of the oxidizing ability of the reactant. Table 19.1 shows the increasing strength of the oxidizing agents.


Ecell = Eoxidation + Ereduction

Because the electrode potentials are for reduction:

Eoxidation = –Eanode

We can rewrite the equation for the cell:

Ecell = - Eanode + Ecathode

Ecell = Ecathode – Eanode


Let’s find Ecell for the following cell:

Al(s) | Al3+(aq) || Cu2+(aq) | Cu(s)

At the cathode, Cu2+(aq) is reduced to Cu(aq).

E = 0.34 V

At the anode, Al is oxidized to Al3+.

E = –[electrode potential for Al3+(aq)]

E = –(–1.66 V) = 1.66 V

Ecell = 0.34 V + 1.66 V

Ecell = 2.00 V


The standard electrode potential, E°, is the electrode potential when the concentrations of solutes are 1 M, the gas pressures are 1 atm, and the temperature has a specified value (usually 25°C). The superscript degree sign (°) signifies standard-state conditions.

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A fuel cell is simply a voltaic cell that uses a continuous supply of electrode materials to provide a continuous supply of electrical energy. A fuel cell employed by NASA on

spacecraft uses hydrogen and oxygen under basic conditions to produce electricity. The water produced in this way can be used for drinking. The net reaction is

2H2(g) + O2(g) 2H2O(g)

Calculate the standard emf of the oxygen–hydrogen fuel cell.2H2O(l) + 2e- H2(g) + 2OH-(aq) E° = –0.83 VO2(g) + 2H2O(l) + 4e- 4OH-(aq) E° = 0.40 V


Anode reaction:

2H2O(l) + 2e- H2(g) + 2OH-(aq) E°red = –0.83 V

Cathode reaction:

O2(g) + 2H2O(l) + 4e- 4OH-(aq) E°red = 0.40 V

Overall reaction:

Ecell = Ecathode – Eanode

Ecell = 0.40 V – (–0.83 V)

Ecell = 1.23 V


Comparing Oxidizing Strengths

The oxidizing agent is itself reduced and is the species on the left of the reduction half-reaction.

Consequently, the strongest oxidizing agent is the product of the half-reaction with the largest (most positive) E° value.


Comparing Reducing Strengths

The reducing agent is itself oxidized and is the species on the right of the reduction half-reaction.

Consequently, the strongest reducing agent is the reactant in the half-reaction with the smallest (most negative) E° value.

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Which is the stronger reducing agent under standard conditions: Sn2+ (to Sn4+) or Fe (to Fe2+)?

Which is the stronger oxidizing agent under standard conditions: Cl2 or MnO4

-?

The stronger reducing agent will be oxidized and has the more negative electrode potential.

The standard (reduction) potentials areSn2+ to Sn4+ E = 0.15 VFe to Fe2+ E = –0.41 V

The stronger reducing agent is Fe (to Fe2+).


The stronger oxidizing agent will be reduced.

The standard (reduction) potentials are

Cl2 to Cl- E = 1.36 V

MnO4- to Mn2+ E = 1.49 V

The stronger oxidizing agent is MnO4-.


Predicting the Direction of Reaction

You can predict the direction of reaction by comparing the relative oxidizing (or reducing) strengths.

The stronger oxidizing agent will be reduced. (The stronger reducing agent will be oxidized.)

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Will dichromate ion oxidize manganese(II) ion to permanganate ion in acid solution under standard conditions?

Standard potentialsCr2O7

2- to Cr3+ E° = 1.33 VMnO4

- to Mn2+ E° = 1.49 V

MnO4- has a larger reduction potential; it will oxidize

Cr3+ to Cr2O72-.

Cr2O72- will not oxidize Mn2+ to MnO4

-.

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Let us define the reduction of I2 to I- ions, I2(s) + 2e- 2I-(aq), as the standard reduction reaction with E° = 0.00 V. We then construct a new standard reduction table based on this definition.

a. What would be the new standard reduction potential of H+?


b. Would using a new standard reduction table change the measured value of freshly prepared voltaic cell made from Cu and Zn? (Assume you have the appropriate solutions and equipment to construct the cell.)

c. Would the calculated voltage for the cell in part b be different if your were using the values given in Table 19.1? Do the calculations to justify your answer.


a. When the H+(aq) E° = 0.000 V, the I2 E° = 0.54 V. So, if the new I2 potential is 0.000 V, then the H+ potential would be –0.54 V.

b. The measured voltaic cell voltage will be unchanged.

c. No. The calculated voltage is the same using either standard because it is a difference is potential.


The free-energy change, G, for a reaction equals the maximum useful work of the reaction.

G° = wmax = –nFE°

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Calculate the standard free-energy change for the net reaction used in the hydrogen–oxygen fuel cell:

2H2(g) + O2(g) 2H2O(l)

The cell potential is 1.23 V.

How does this compare with Gf° of H2O(l)?


First we determine the number of electrons involved in the reaction. Four H are oxidized to H+, and two O are reduced to O2-. Thus four electrons are involved.

n = 4

E° = 1.23 V

G° = –nFE°

G = –(4 mol)(96,485 C/mol)(1.23 J/C)

G° = –4.75 × 105 J

G° = –475 kJ

Gf° = –285.8 kJ/mol; –550 kJ for 2 mol

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A voltaic cell consists of one half-cell with Fe dipping into an aqueous solution of 1.0 M FeCl2 and the other half-cell with Ag dipping

into an aqueous solution of 1.0 M AgNO3.

Obtain the standard free-energy change for the cell reaction using the standard free-energy change for the reaction (found using standard free energies of formation). The standard free energies of formation of the ions are Ag+(aq), 77 kJ/mol, and Fe2+(aq), –85 kJ/mol.

What is the cell potential?


We first determine the reaction by using reduction potentials.Fe2+(aq), Fe(s) E° = –0.41 VAg+(aq), Ag(s) E° = 0.80 V

Fe is the anode (oxidation). Ag is the cathode (reduction).

E° = 0.80 – (–0.41) = 1.21 VThe half-reactions are

Fe(s) Fe2+(aq) + 2e-

2Ag+(aq) + 2e- 2Ag(s)The overall reaction is

Fe(s) + 2Ag+(aq) Fe2+(aq) + 2Ag(s)


Fe(s) + 2Ag+(aq) Fe2+(aq) + 2Ag(s)

G° = 1 mol(–85 kJ/mol) – 2 mol(77 kJ/mol)

G° = –85 kJ – 154 kJ

G° = –239 kJ


Now we can use this value to find E°.

nF

GE

Δ

VJ

96,485mol) (2

molJ

239,000E

V1.24E

This answer compares favorably to the 1.21 V determined using standard potentials.


KnF

RTE lno

cell

Equilibrium Constants from Cell Potentials

nFE° = RT ln K

Rearranging:

KnF

RT E log

2.303ocell

Kn

E log0.0592o

cell

We could now convert from ln to log:

At 25°C:

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Calculate the equilibrium constant K at 25°C for the following reaction for the standard cell potential:

Pb2+(aq) + Fe(s) Pb(s) + Fe2+(aq)

First, we find the cell potential.E°cathode

= –0.13 V(Pb2+)E°anode = –0.41 V (Fe2+)

E°cell = E°cathode – E°anode

E°cell = –0.13 V – (–0.41 V) E°cell = +0.28 V

Now we can find K.


ln K = 21.82

K = 3.0 × 109

RT

nFE K

ocell ln

K 298K mol

J 8.31

CJ

0.28molC

96,485mol 2 ln

K


Summary of Relationship Among Variables


Dependence of Cell Potential on Concentration: Nernst Equation

G = G° + RT ln Q

Q is the thermodynamic equilibrium constant.

This equation allows us to relate E to E°.

QnF

RTEE ln o

cellcell –


At 25°C, this reduces to

Qn

EE ln 0.02568

ocellcell –


Determination of pH

Cell measurements can allow us to determine the pH of a solution by determining [H+]. This is the basis of the pH meter.


On the left a small, commercial electrode is pictured.

On the right is a sketch showing the construction of a glass electrode for measuring hydrogen concentrations.

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Consider a voltaic cell,

Fe(s) | Fe2+(aq) || Cu2+(aq) | Cu(s), being run under standard conditions.

a. Is G° positive or negative for this process?

b. Change the concentrations from their standard values in such a way that Ecell is reduced. Write your answer using the shorthand notation.


a. G° = –nFE°

E° = 0.36 – (–0.41) = 0.75 V

Since E° is positive, G° is negative.

b. Overall reaction:

Fe(s) + Cu2+(aq) Fe2+(aq) + Cu(s)

To reduce Ecell, Q must be > 1.

So, [Fe2+] must be > [Cu2+].

Fe(s) | Fe2+(aq) (1.1 M) || Cu2+(aq) (0.50 M) | Cu(s)

2

2

Cu

FeQ

Larger Smaller

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A pH meter is constructed using hydrogen gas bubbling over an inert platinum electrode (the hydrogen electrode) at a pressure of 1.2 atm. The

other electrode is aluminum metal immersed in a 0.20 M Al3+ solution. What is the cell potential when the hydrogen electrode is immersed in a sample of acid rain with a pH of 4.0 at 25°C?If the electrode is placed in a sample of shampoo solution and the cell potential is 1.17 V, what is the pH of the shampoo solution? The reaction is

2Al(s) + 6H+(aq) 2Al3+(aq) + 3H2(g)


QnF

RTEE ln o

cello

52.66

0.02568 1.66 –E

6

233H

H

Al2

P

Q

64-

23

10

0.20atm 1.2

M

M = 6.91 × 1022

ln Q = 52.6

0.23 1.66 –E

E = 1.43 V


QnF

RTEE ln o

cello

K 298K mol

J 8.3145

molC

96,4856

C

J 0.49 ln

Q

oocell ln EE Q

nF

RT

= 0.49 V V1.17 V1.66 ln QnF

RT

V 0.49 lnRT

nF Q


6

233H

H

Al2

P

Q

ln Q = 114.5

pH = 8.48

Q = 5.26 × 1049

[H+] = 3.31 × 10-9 M

49

23

10 5.26

0.20atm 1.2

M

[H+] 6 = 1.31 × 10-51

Q

P233

H6 AlH 2


Commercial Voltaic Cells

We next look at several commercial voltaic cells.

Zinc–Carbon Dry Cell: Leclanché

Anode: Zn(s) Zn2+(aq) + 2e-

Cathode: 2NH4+(aq) + 2MnO2(s) + 2e-

Mn2O3(s) + H2O(l) + 2NH3(aq)

The initial voltage is about 1.5 V, but decreases and deteriorates rapidly in cold weather.


Zinc–Carbon Dry Cell: Alkaline

Anode: Zn(s) + 2OH-(aq) Zn(OH)2(s) + 2e-

Cathode: 2MnO2(s) + H2O(l) + 2e-

Mn2O3(s) + 2OH- (aq)

This cell performs better under current drain and in cold weather. It isn’t truly “dry” but rather uses an aqueous paste.


Lithium–Iodine Battery

In this solid-state battery, the electrodes are separated by a thin crystalline layer of lithium iodide. Diffusion of the Li+ ion carries the current. The cell has high resistance and, therefore, low voltage. It is very reliable and is used for pacemakers.


Lead Storage CellThe electrodes are lead alloy grids: one is packed with a spongy lead to form the anode, and the other is packed with lead dioxide to form the cathode. Both electrodes are in an aqueous solution of H2SO4.

Anode: Pb(s) + HSO4-(aq)

PbSO4(s) + H+(aq) + 2e-

Cathode: PbO2(s) + 3H+(aq) + HSO4-(aq) + 2e-

PbSO4(s) + 2H2O(l)

Unlike dry cells, after discharge, lead storage cells can be recharged.


Each of the six cells in the lead storage cell generates 2 V, yielding 12 V. During discharge, white PbSO4(s) coats each electrode.

To recharge the cell, an external current is used, reversing the previous reactions. Some water decomposes into hydrogen and oxygen gas, so more water may need to be added.

Newer batteries use electrodes with calcium in the lead, which resists decomposition by water. These versions are maintenance free.


Nickel–Cadmium Cell

Anode: Cd(s) + 2OH-(aq) Cd(OH)2(s) + 2e-

Cathode: NiOOH(s) + H2O(l) + e-

Ni(OH)2(s) + OH-(aq)

These cells are used in calculators, portable power tools, shavers, and toothbrushes. During recharge, the reactions are reversed, which can be done many times.

When cadmium is replaced with a metal hydride (MH), nickel metal hydride and lithium hydride cells result. They are less toxic.


Fuel Cell

Fuel cells require a continuous supply of reactants (fuel).

Anode: H2(g) 2H+(aq) + 2e-

Cathode: O2(g) + 4H+(aq) + 4e- 2H2O(l)

Fuel cells were originally used in space applications, but are now being explored for more uses.


Corrosion Control: Cathodic Protection

Voltaic cells can be used to control corrosion of underground pipelines and tanks. Rusting occurs when water comes in contact with iron. The edge of the water drop, when exposed to air, becomes one pole of a voltaic cell where oxygen is reduced to hydroxide.

Anode: Fe(s) Fe2+(aq) + 2e-

Cathode: O2(g) + 2H2O(l) + 4e- 4OH-(aq)


When the buried metal is connected to a more active metal such as magnesium, the magnesium becomes the anode and the iron becomes the cathode. The iron is, therefore, protected from oxidation.

This phenomenon is called cathodic protection.


Cathodic protection is illustrated below. The nails are in a gel containing phenolphthalein indicator and potassium ferricyanide.

Iron corrosion yields Fe2+, which reacts with ferricyanide ion to give a dark blue precipitate. Where OH- forms, phenolphthalein appears pink.

Unprotected Protected

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Keeping in mind that seawater contains a number of ions, explain why seawater corrodes iron much faster than freshwater.

Many of the ions in seawater have very high reduction potentials—higher than the reduction potential of Fe(s). This means spontaneous electrochemical reactions will occur with Fe(s), causing the iron to form ions and go into solution. At the same time, the ions in the sea will be reduced and plate out on the surface of the iron.


Electrolytic Cell

An electrolytic cell is an electrochemical cell in which an electric current drives an otherwise nonspontaneous reaction.

The process of producing a chemical change in an electrolytic cell is called electrolysis. Many important substances are produced commercially by electrolysis—for example, aluminum and chlorine.


Downs Cell

A Downs cell is an electrolytic cell used to obtain sodium metal by electrolysis of sodium chloride. The products must be kept separated or they would react.

Anode: Cl-(l) ½Cl2(g) + e-

Cathode: Na+(l) + e- Na(l)


Aqueous Electrolysis

For a molten salt, the possible reactions are limited to those involving the ions from the salt.

In aqueous situations, however, the possible reactions of water must also be included.

2H2O(l) + 2e- H2(g) + 2OH-(aq)

2H2O(l) O2(g) + 4H+(aq) + 4e-


Unlike voltaic cell reactions, which maximize the cell potential, the reaction requiring the smallest voltage will be the one that occurs. To determine the reaction, it is necessary to consider all possible half-reactions that might occur.

First, examine the possible oxidation reactions. The one with the least negative E° value will occur.

Next examine the possible reduction reactions. The one with the more positive E° value will occur.


Electrolysis of Sulfuric Acid Solutions

Possible oxidation reactions:

2SO42-(aq) S2O8

2-(aq) + 2e- E°red = 2.01 V

2H2O(l) O2(g) + 4H+(aq) + 4e- E°red = 1.23 V

Possible reduction reactions:

H+(aq) + e- ½ H2(g) E°red = 0.00 V

2H2O(l) + 2e- H2(g) + 2OH-(aq) E°red = –0.83 VLarger (more positive) reduction potential

Smaller reduction potential


2H2O(l) O2(g) + 4H+(aq) + 4e-

4H+(aq) + 4e- 2H2(g)

4H+(aq) + 2H2O(l) 2H2(g) + O2(g)

Ecell°= E°cathode – E°anode

Ecell°= 0.00 – 1.23

Ecell°= –1.23 V


Electrolysis of Sodium Chloride Solution


2Cl-(aq) Cl2(g) + 2e- E°red = 1.36 V

2H2O(l) O2(g) + 4H+(aq) + 4e- E°red = 1.23 V


Na+(aq) + e- Na(s) E°red = –2.71 V

H+(aq) + e- ½H2(g) E°red = 0.00 V


Larger (more positive) value


Cl2(g) + 2e- 2Cl-(aq)

2H+(aq) + 2e- H2(g)

2H+(aq) + Cl2 (g) H2(g) + 2Cl-(aq)


Ecell° = 0.00 – 1.36

Ecell° = –1.36 V

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Describe what you expect to happen at the electrodes when an aqueous solution of sodium iodide is electrolyzed.


Electrolysis of Sodium Iodide Solution


2I-(aq) I2(g) + 2e- E°red = 0.54 V

2H2O(l) O2(g) + 4H+(aq) + 4e- E°red = 1.23 V


Na+(aq) + e- Na(s) E°red = –2.71 V

H+(aq) + e- ½H2(g) E°red = 0.00 V


Larger (more positive) value


I2(g) + 2e- 2I-(aq)

2H+(aq) + 2e- H2(g)

2H+(aq) + I2 (g) H2(g) + 2I-(aq)


Ecell°= 0.00 – 0.54

Ecell°= –0.54 V


The electrolysis of sodium chloride is the basis of the chlor-alkali industry, which produces chlorine and sodium hydroxide.


The chlor-alkali mercury cell uses mercury metal as the cathode. Sodium is reduced, rather than water, forming a sodium mercury amalgam.


Metals can also be protected from corrosion by plating them with other metals.

For example, zinc can be plated on steel by electrogalvanizing to prevent rusting.


Metals can also be purified by electrolysis. Here we see copper being purified.


Stoichiometry of Electrolysis

In the 1830s, Michael Faraday showed that the total charge that flows in a circuit is related to the amount of substance released at the electrodes.

One faraday of charge is the charge on one mole of electrons and is equal to 96,485 coulombs.


For quantitative considerations, we also need to know the magnitude of the current and the time it has flowed.

Electric charge = current × time

Coulombs = amperes × seconds

The ampere, A, is the base unit of current.

The coulomb, C, is equal to an ampere-second.

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What electric charge is required to plate a piece of automobile molding with 1.00 g of chromium metal using a chromium(III) ion solution?

If the electrolysis current is 2.00 A, how long does the plating take?


First, we convert mass to moles Cr; then to moles e-; then, using current, to seconds.

C 2.00

s 1

e mol 1

C 96,485

Cr mol 1

e mol 3

Cr g 52.00

Cr mol 1 Cr g 1.00

-

-

= 2.78 × 103 s = 46.4 min

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A solution of nickel salt is electrolyzed to nickel metal by a current of 2.43 A. If this current flows for 10.0 min, how many coulombs is this?

How much nickel metal is deposited in the electrolysis?


min 1

s 60 min 10.0

s

C 2.43

= 1458 C

Given the half-reaction: Ni2+(aq) + 2e- Ni(s)

Ni mol 1

g 58.69

e mol 2

Ni mol 1

C 96,485

e mol 1 C 1458

-

-

= 0.443 g Ni

We first find the charge:

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