Electrolysis of Molten Salts — Overview & Application

What Is Molten Salt Electrolysis?

Salts are found typically as solids under standard conditions. However, when salts are heated they can change into a liquid state. Salts in their liquid states are known as molten salts. When salts are in their molten state they can undergo electrolysis.

Sodium Chloride Example

Sodium chloride is a salt which will melt into it's liquid state above 801$^{\circ}$C. Oxidation of the chloride anion occurs at the anode and reduction of the sodiun cation occurs at the cathode

At the anode: $$2Cl^-(l) \rightarrow Cl_2(g)\ + 2e^-$$

At the cathode: $$2Na^+(l)\ +\ 2e^- \rightarrow 2Na(l)$$

Total cell reaction: $$2Na^+(l)\ +\ 2Cl^- \rightarrow 2Na(l)\ +\ Cl_2(g)$$

(Video) GCSE Chemistry - Electrolysis Part 1 - Basics and Molten Compounds #40

by Cognito

In this video, Cognito explains the electrolysis of molten salts. They explain how we set up molten electrolysis. Then they walk you through the example of lead bromide step-by-step. After watching this video, you have an excellent understanding of molten electrolysis!