Electrolysis of Molten Lead Bromide (PbBr₂)
The electrolysis of molten lead bromide is a classic example that demonstrates the processes of electrolysis involving ionic compounds. When lead bromide (PbBr₂) is molten, it dissociates into its constituent ions: lead ions (Pb²⁺) and bromide ions (Br⁻).
Key Reactions:
- Cathode Reaction: At the cathode, lead ions are reduced:
-
Pb²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Pb (Lead is deposited on the cathode)
-
Anode Reaction: At the anode, bromide ions are oxidized:
- 2Br⁻ → Br₂ + 2e⁻ (Bromine gas is evolved)
Products:
- The products of this electrolysis are solid lead metal deposited at the cathode and bromine gas released at the anode.
Understanding these reactions is important not only for academic purposes but also for industrial applications in metal extraction and purification. This section sets the foundation for the study of other electrolysis processes and their applications in various chemical industries.