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Importance of Electrolysis in Chemical Production
Electrolysis uses an electric current to create a redox reaction. In the redox reaction one species is oxidized and another is reduced. Sometimes this process can be used to split apart stable molecules to create new chemical species. This process can be very helpful for the production of chemicals that are otherwise difficult to produce.
Examples
Electrolysis is used in the production of various chemicals. Some examples include:
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Water-splitting: hydrogen and oxygen gas are created from the electrolysis of water.
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Sodium manufacturing: sodium metal crated from a molten mixture of sodium chloride and calcium chloride.
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Chlorine and Sodium Hydroxide: formed from an aqueous sodium chloride solution, produced in chloro-alkali industry.
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Aluminum manufacturing: often used to recycle and purify aluminum containing products. Uses Hall-Heroult process to create aluminum metal from aluminum oxide.
