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CHEM STRY ART
INTEGRATED PR JECT
AN ELECTROLYTIC CELL USING CONCENTRATED AQUEOUS
SOLUTION OF SODIUM CHLORIDE
Made By- Zayan Khan
class- 10 ‘E’
Roll No.- 51
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Electrolysis of Concentrated Aqueous Sodium
Chloride (Brine)
Objective:
The aim of this experiment is to study the process of electrolysis
using a concentrated aqueous solution of sodium chloride (NaCl),
commonly known as brine. The experiment helps us observe the
decomposition of brine using electric current, identify the gases
evolved at the electrodes, and determine the nature of the solution
after electrolysis. This process also has industrial significance as it
forms the basis of the chlor-alkali process.
Zayan
khan
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Apparatus Required:
Chemicals required - Brine
•Beaker (250 mL or larger)
•Two graphite rods or platinum electrodes
•6V DC power supply or a battery
•Connecting wires with crocodile clips
•Switch (optional but recommended)
•Two test tubes (for gas collection)
•Two glass tubes or small jars (to invert over the electrodes)
•Dropper or pipette
•Indicator paper: litmus and phenolphthalein
•Measuring cylinder
•Retort stand or electrode holder (optional for better setup)
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Theory
• Electrolysis is the process of using electricity to break down a
compound into its elements or simpler compounds. In the
electrolysis of brine, when an electric current is passed through
the solution, ions migrate toward their respective electrodes:
• Cations (Na⁺ and H⁺) move toward the cathode (negative
electrode).
• Anions (Cl⁻ and OH⁻) move toward the anode (positive
electrode).
• In concentrated NaCl solution, Cl⁻ ions are discharged at the
anode, producing chlorine gas, while H⁺ ions (from water) are
discharged at the cathode, producing hydrogen gas. The Zayan Khan
remaining Na⁺ and OH⁻ ions combine to form sodium hydroxide
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Procedure :
•Pour concentrated sodium chloride solution (brine) into a clean beaker.
•Fix the graphite or platinum electrodes into the beaker so that they are submerged in the
solution and are not touching each other.
•Connect the electrodes to the positive and negative terminals of the battery or power
source using connecting wires and crocodile clips.
•Fill two test tubes with brine, cover their openings with your fingers, and invert them
carefully over each electrode so that any gas formed can be collected.
•Close the circuit by switching on the power supply and allow the electrolysis to proceed for
a few minutes.
•Observe the formation of bubbles at both electrodes. Carefully collect the gases evolved.
•Use a burning splint to test for hydrogen gas at the cathode (a 'pop' sound confirms it).
•Bring a piece of moist blue litmus paper near the anode to detect chlorine gas (it turns red
Zayan Khan
and then bleaches white).
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Observations
• Bubbles observed at the cathode: Indicates the evolution of hydrogen gas
(H₂).
• Bubbles observed at the anode: Indicates the release of chlorine gas (Cl₂).
• Phenolphthalein indicator turns pink near the cathode: Confirms the
formation of a basic (alkaline) solution due to sodium hydroxide (NaOH).
• Pungent smell near the anode: Confirms the presence of chlorine gas.
• Test for hydrogen gas: Produces a ‘pop’ sound when ignited.
• Moist blue litmus paper near the anode: Turns red and then gets bleached
white, confirming the presence of chlorine.
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Chemical
Reactions:
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• Result / Conclusion:
• The experiment successfully demonstrates that:
• Hydrogen gas is liberated at the cathode.
• Chlorine gas is liberated at the anode.
• The remaining solution contains sodium hydroxide
(NaOH), which is alkaline in nature.
• This experiment shows how brine electrolysis is used in
the chlor-alkali industry to obtain chlorine (for
disinfectants and PVC), hydrogen (as fuel), and
sodium hydroxide (used in soaps and detergents).
Zayan Khan
class 10 E
Roll no.-51
