[Mr. Pink]

Hey, im wondering, what are the basics in the electrolosys for table salt? how is the sodium and chlorine collected? how do i prevent the Na from igniting? if you have to melt the NaCl to electrolize it, then if i cant use a Pt electrode, what should i use?

[Mitch]

"refined" graphite electrodes work fine. You can buy them on ebay.

[jdurg]

Do a quick search on google for the 'Down's Cell'.  There are plenty of sites which have very detailed explanations and diagrams of how molten sodium chloride is separated into sodium metal and chlorine gas.

[Mitch]

Then my opinion always is, "If you can't even spell electrolysis, you probably shouldn't do one."

[eugenedakin]

Hello Mr. Pink,

When electrolysis is performed on an industrial scale, it is performed in a Chlor-Alkali plant.  Salt (as NaCl) is dissolved into water until it is saturated.  Then the salt-saturated-water is placed into a vessel with two electrodes (negatively charged, and positive charges).  The NaCl molecule separates to form Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide) at one electrode and forms Chlorine gas at the other electrode.

Chlorine gas (very poisonous) is collected at one end, and sodium hydroxide is removed at the other end.

I hope this helps,

Eugene

[Mr. Pink]

Then my opinion always is, "If you can't even spell electrolysis, you probably shouldn't do one."

Well, I never get good grades in Language Arts. But my dad is a jeweler and he does electroplating and electrolysis on a regular basis. He also has his bachelor's in Chemistry so I've learned a lot from him.

[Mr. Pink]

Chlorine gas (very poisonous) is collected at one end,

Don't worry, i know whats safe and whats not. Anyone who doesnt know that chlorine is poisonous (i dont think i spelt that right either, or the word "either") shouldn't be in chemistry or even a WWI historian.

[jdurg]

Also, you absolutely cannot obtain sodium metal from the electrolysis of aqueous NaCl.

[Mr. Pink]

Also, you absolutely cannot obtain sodium metal from the electrolysis of aqueous NaCl.

Ah, thank you, thats what i wanted to know.

[Viper3k]

I did this exact electrolysis on aqueous NaCl.

The gases were released and after a few hours there was a brown sediment forming and a sort of greeny layer on top. I have no idea what they were.
Also, could you use carbon rods taken from alkaline batteries for electrodes?

[Mitch]

don't know.

[Mr. Pink]

::Edit:: The synthesis of explosives is not appropriate material here.

Well, i wasnt planning on using it as an explosive; my personal objective is to collect all (or at least the more common) of the elements in thier pure form. Do you think that i would be responsible enuf to put the detailed warnings at the bottom, but not responsible enough to keep the sodium from exploding?

[Garneck]

Also, you absolutely cannot obtain sodium metal from the electrolysis of aqueous NaCl.

Of course, you can only get hydrogen.

But, hmmm, what about if you use a mercury electrode? I always thought you can get NaOH during that.. correct me if I'm wrong.

[Mitch]

Do you think that i would be responsible enuf to put the detailed warnings at the bottom, but not responsible enough to keep the sodium from exploding?

Spelling and grammar aside, that's not the point.

[lordofdarkness]

Helloz
I done this b4
I was successful
I made my own downcell and melted salt using and oxy acetyline welders flame
I got enough sodium 2 make fireworks!!!!!