Mindanao State University Iligan Institute of

Technology
College of Engineering
Department of Ceramics, Metallurgical and Mining
Engineering

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ELECTROLYSIS SETUP
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Aparece, Maryrose Joy. T

Almon P. Dahan

Instructor

October 1, 2015
 INTRODUCTION

Electrolysis is a process in which electric current is passed through a substance to drive an

otherwise nonspontaneous chemical reaction. The current serves as an external potential applied

between the electrodes, forcing the net movement of electrons and resulting in the electrochemical

reactions at the electrodes.

The chemical changes or electrochemical reactions is one in which the substance loses or

gains an electron (oxidation or reduction). The process is carried out in an electrolytic cell, an

apparatus consisting of positive and negative electrodes held apart and dipped into a solution

containing positively and negatively charged ions. The substance to be transformed may form the

electrode, or may be dissolved in the solution.

Electrolysis is commercially highly important as a stage in the separation of elements from

naturally occurring sources such as ores using an electrolytic cell and it is used extensively in

metallurgical processes, such as in extraction (electrowinning) or purification (electrorefining) of

metals from ores or compounds and in deposition of metals from solution (electroplating).

Objective of the Experiment

This experiment aims to elaborate the steps needed to be done in order to perform the

electrolysis.

Significance of the Experiment

It is of paramount importance to be familiar with the steps involved in setting up the

electrolytic cell before performing electrolysis.

 MATERIALS AND PROCEDURE

A. Materials and Equipment

DC Power Supply

Ammeter

Cathode (Aluminum Sheet)

Anode (Lead Sheet)

Alligator Clips or Wires

250 mL Beaker

Sulfuric Acid

Zinc Sulfate

Distilled Water

Pan Balance

B. Procedure

Materials Preparation

Weighing

Connection set-up

Voltage and Current

Setting

Observation and
Recording

Figure 1 Process Flow Chart for Electrolysis

Preliminary Preparations

The standard electrolyte was prepared by weighing the calculated amount of 22.2 grams

zinc sulfate and 16.55 mL of sulfuric acid. The weighed chemicals were put in a 250 mL beaker

and filled with distilled water until 150 mL in order to obtain 60 grams per liter of Zn+ and 200

grams per liter of sulfuric acid. The electrolyte was mixed thoroughly.

The electrodes used were aluminum sheet (cathode) and lead sheet (anode). It was

important to remember the cathode and anode designation so that the setup would not interchange.

The aluminum sheet was cleaned using a grit paper and both the electrodes were weighed and the

data recorded.

The multi-tester was checked making sure that the test leads and rotary switch are in the

correct position for the desired measurement. The condition of the multimaters fuse was also

tested by switching it to the resistance mode and measuring continuity through the test leads. The

power supply were checked by switching it on and measuring the voltage it produced using the

multi-tester.

Set-up

Alligator clips were used in order to connect both the electrodes in series with the power

supply and the electrolyte. The alligator clip was clipped in the cathode (Aluminum sheet) and was

made sure that the sheet does not touch the sides and bottom of the beaker. The other end of the

alligator clip was connected with the negative pole of the power supply.

Another alligator clip was clipped in the anode (Lead sheet) and again, was made sure that

the sheet does not touch the sides and bottom of the beaker. The other end of the alligator clip was
connected with the 1000mA pole of the ammeter. An alligator clip was then used to connect the

positive side of the ammeter to the positive pole of the power supply.

The power supply was switched on and the voltage was adjusted slowly until the 700 mA

was obtained in the ammeter initially. It was again adjusted until the currently was gradually

increased to 800 mA. Voltage was checked using the multi-tester periodically while the current

changes were recorded as well. The electrochemical reaction was observed for 60 minutes.

Figure 2 Electrolysis Diagram

Figure 3 Electrolysis Actual Set-up

 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

It is concluded that familiarization of the setup is important before performing the

electrolysis. The cathode, anode, ammeter, multitester and power supply should be connected

properly in order to prevent short circuit or to have a successful deposition of the desired electrode.

Improper connection could lead to major damage not only to the researcher but also to the

materials at hand.

REFERENCES

Hayes, Peter. Process Selection in Extractive Metallurgy, page 256,

Electrolysis Chemical Reaction Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/science/electrolysis