I'm electrolysing a copper sulfate solution with a 12 volt DC supply using two carbon electrodes. The anode is reducing in mass and becoming thinner. Is there any way I can overcome this problem?
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$\begingroup$ Is the electrode rather mechanically desintegrated , e.g. by the internal oxygen creation ? Or, is the material rather disappearing ? I remember home experiments from my childhood, and the carbon electrode from a battery cell created a carbon dust. $\endgroup$ – Poutnik May 14 '19 at 14:11
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$\begingroup$ The carbon electrode has mechanically disintegrated into a dust at the bottom. I would like to know whether I can use a steel anode instead because I do not have access to a platinum electrode. My question is “will a steel rod not disintegrate or corrode?” Thanks. $\endgroup$ – sidsr003 May 14 '19 at 15:31
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1$\begingroup$ I suppose stainless steel will survive. Try rather the steel plate, to keep low current density. $\endgroup$ – Poutnik May 14 '19 at 15:34
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$\begingroup$ Ok thanks I wil try it. $\endgroup$ – sidsr003 May 15 '19 at 4:18
