pesco - 19-11-2015 at 03:35
Hi,
I am setting up Downs cell and got a question related to electrolyte.
In industrial process mix of NaCl and CaCl2 is used, however my CaCl2 is heavily contaminated with Mg. Think of Dolomite ...
Does anyone have any experience/knowledge if MgCl2 would interfere with cell operation ?
I've googled around heavily and haven't found the answer.
Regards
IrC - 20-11-2015 at 17:01
I would think since the reduction potential of Mg is lower than that of sodium then you have a problem. I could be wrong but I think your answer is
that simple, and I'm guessing the lower than Na it is the bigger the problem. Not being a chemistry guru myself, perhaps Woelen or another member can
give a better opinion.
Na+(aq) + e– Na(s) -2.714
Ca2+(aq) + 2 e– Ca(s) -2.87 higher
Mg2+(aq) + 2 e– Mg(s) -2.37 lower
pesco - 22-11-2015 at 07:46
Good point, thx.
I guess I better drop the MG(OH)2 with Ca(OH)2 or buy some clean CaCl2