Electrolysis | Definition, Uses, & Facts (2024)

FAQs

What is electrolysis and its uses? ›

electrolysis, process by which electric current is passed through a substance to effect a chemical change. The chemical change is one in which the substance loses or gains an electron (oxidation or reduction).

Electrolysis is the passing of a direct electric current through an electrolyte which is producing chemical reactions at the electrodes and decomposition of the materials. The main components required to achieve electrolysis are an electrolyte, electrodes, and an external power source.

Electrolysis is one of those processes which are widely used in the metal industry. Whether it's the extraction of metals from their ores, purification of metals, or electroplating of metals; all these applications involve electrolysis. Moreover, it is extensively used for manufacturing industrial chemicals like brine.

Electrolysis works by passing an electric current through an electrolyte solution. The electric current causes the ions in the solution to move towards the electrodes, where they undergo chemical reactions that result in the release of either positively or negatively charged particles.

Electrolysis can treat most areas of the body, including the: Back. Bikini line, thighs and lower legs. Breasts and abdomen.

The purpose of using electrolysis in metal extraction is to separate metal ions from a solution or molten substance and deposit them as pure metal at the electrodes. Electrolysis is particularly useful for extracting metals that cannot be obtained through reduction or smelting, such as aluminum and magnesium.

Real World Science: Water electrolysis can be used as a form of renewable energy to provide many benefits. Hydrogen produced in this reaction can be stored in fuel cells and serve as electricity, decreasing CO2 emissions and excess energy generated by solar power or wind turbines.

Just one poor ground connection on equipment using a conductive water-based fluid can cause electrolysis to quickly corrode components, beginning with the least noble metal in the system. Aluminum, cast iron, and steel will typically be the first metals to be attacked.

Electrolysis Cons

It's a time-consuming procedure requiring multiple sessions. Skin discoloration is a possibility. The electricity in the device can actually destroy the capillaries in the surrounding areas. It can be very painful. It is not recommended for people with rosacea since the skin is so easily irritated.

Electrolysis can be used to purify metals or extract them from a solution or break down substances into their individual components. For example, a sodium chloride solution can be turned into chlorine gas and sodium hydroxide, while the electrolysis of water produces hydrogen gas and oxygen.

Why is electrolysis needed? ›

Electrolysis gives us a means to reduce metals that we would otherwise be incapable of producing. For example, electrolysis of aluminium means we can have aluminium products. Such lightweight materials are important for a whole variety of reasons, from drinking cans to aircraft.

As of 2022, commercial electrolysis requires around 53 kWh of electricity to produce one kg of hydrogen, which holds 39.4 kWh (HHV) of energy.

You'll feel a sharp sting or temporary warmth as each hair follicle is treated. How much the process hurts depends on how you react to pain and the area being treated.

Electrolysis can be used to separate a substance into its original components/elements and it was through this process that a number of elements have been discovered and are still produced in today's industry.

A familiar example of electrolysis is recharging a battery, which involves use of an external power source to drive the spontaneous (discharge) cell reaction in the reverse direction, restoring to some extent the composition of the half-cells and the voltage of the battery.

Electrolysis is often used to extract metals from molten ores or molten ionic compounds. Aluminium, for example, can be extracted from its ore (known as bauxite) using this process. The bauxite is firstly converted into aluminium oxide and then electrolysed in a solution of molten cryolite (another aluminium compound).

Electrolysis is used to extract metals that are more reactive than carbon, such as aluminum. These more reactive metals can't be extracted by heating them with carbon. Metals that are less reactive than carbon, such as iron, can be extracted by heating with carbon, or with electrolysis.

With improvements in surgical technique, electrolysis has ceased to be a common treatment for cancer, but it is still frequently used (under the name of electrocautery) to stop the bleeding of small blood vessels. Dermatologists also continue to use it to remove warts, moles, and hair.