Abstract: The application of electrical conductivity in liquids in electroplating process is investigated. Electrolysis is a process of separating elements electrically. A great many liquids are decomposed when an electric current passes through them, and this process is known was electrolysis. Elements are often chemically combined with other elements and must be separated. Electrolysis is employed in the industry for electroplating of metal, purification of metals, and extraction of metals from their ores. Generally, electrolysis is a process by which electric current is passed through a substance to effect chemical change. The chemical change is one in which the substance loses or gains an electron (oxidation and reduction). The term electrolysis was first popularized in the 19th century by Michael Faraday, and it is a process that helped in the study of chemical reactions in obtaining pure elements. It is further defined as a process of decomposing ionic compounds into their elements by passing a direct electric current through a compound in a fluid form (solution). In the process of electrolysis, the cations are reduced at cathode and anions are oxidized at the anode. The main components required in the electrolysis process are electrolyte, electrodes, and some form of external power sources (DC power source). The process is of course done in a vessel called the “electrolytic cell”, containing two electrodes (cathode and anode), which are connected to a direct current (DC) source and an electrolyte which is an ionic compound undergoing decomposition, in either molten form or in a dissolved state in a suitable solvent (liquid). Generally, electrodes that are made from metal graphite, and semiconductor materials are used. However, the choice of a suitable electrode is done based on chemical reactivity between the electrode and electrolyte as well as the manufacturing cost. Usually, in electrolysis process, there is the interchange of ions and atoms due to the addition and removal of electrons from the external circuit. On passing current through the electrolyte via the electrodes, cations move to the cathode, take electrons from the cathode (given by the supply voltage source), and discharged into the neutral atom. If it is so the neutral atom is solid, it is deposited on the cathode, but if it is gas, it moves upwards and this process is called a reduction process, and the cation is reduced at the cathode. Similarly, anions give up their extra electrons to the anode and it is oxidized to neutral atoms at the anode. The electrons released by the carriers travel across the electrical circuit and reach the cathode, thereby completing the circuit. It is worthy to note very important role the cell voltage (potential) plays in electrolysis process which largely depends on the ability of the individual ions to absorb or release electrons. It is also sometimes referred to as the decomposition potential, which is the minimum voltage difference in electrode potential, between anode and cathode for an electrolytic cell that enables electrolysis to occur. To simplify the understanding of electrolysis, discussed in a very simple term, the electrolysis of Copper Sulphate solution.
Keywords: Conductivity, Oxidation, Electrolysis, Electroplating, Electrolyte, Electrode.
Copyright Form