Question

Copper sulphate solution is elctrolysed using copper electrodes?

Answer 1

Yes, Copper electrodes are used for the electrolysis of aqueous Copper Sulphate solution. The anode of Copper does not allows OH- ions, SO4 ²- ions to discharge at anode and at cathode, Cu ions do not allow H+ ions to discharge.

Reaction at anode: Cu – 2e- = Cu²+

Reaction at Cathode: Cu²+ – 2e- = Cu²+

So at anode Cu²+ ions are formed.

At cathode pink Cu is formed.

The colour of the electrolyte remains blue

(This kind of electrolysis can also be done using platinum electrodes, in which electrolyte changes from blue to colourless)