THEORY OF ELECTROLYSIS AT CONSTANT CURRENT WITH PARTIAL OR TOTAL CONTROL BY DIFFUSION-APPLICATION TO THE STUDY OF COMPLEXION IONS
Abstract
A mathematical analysis is presented for the potential-time curves observed in electrolysis at a constant current with the mass transfer partially or totally controlled by semi-infinite linear diffusion. Three cases are considered: (1) the reversible electrochemical process, (2) the irreversible electrochemical process, and (3) the electrochemical process preceded by a first-order chemical reaction. The transition time (tau) which characterizes the curves was derived for the 3 processes. The tau for given conditions of electrolysis was the same for processes 1 and 2. For the last process, tau was a function of the kinetics of the first-order reaction. Conditions are discussed under which the theory is applicable to the reduction of completions. Dissociation must precede the electrochemical reaction for some complexes (Cd(CN) to the minus power of 4); others (Cu ethylene-diamine) are reduced directly. The rate of recombination of Cd to the power of 2 plus and CN to the minus power was about 4 x 10 to the power of 9 (mol/l) to the minus power of 1- sec to the minus power of 1.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1952
- Accession Number
- AD0013646
Entities
People
- Paul Delahay
- Talivaldis Berzins
Organizations
- Louisiana State University