Log in

View Full Version : Cu from salt water electrolysis?


InspiredByMe
2008-12-30, 01:01
This is probably a very dumb question but Im very confused about this.

I used a 9 volt battery with 2 wires of what I assumed was steel. The electrolysis was used on salt water. The normal sodium hydroxide was formed at the positive end with hydrogen being liberated at the negative end. But what was really odd is when I took the positive wire out it looked exactly like copper. I have no idea as to what these wires are made out of but I would like to know so I could make more copper.

One thing about the wires is that they connected to the 9 volt with a connecter like this:
http://www.armyradio.com/publish/Articles/Making_BC-611_Batteries/Pictures/bat_clip.jpg

FullMetalJacket
2008-12-30, 01:31
Those wires will be copper, potentially plated in something.

eesakiwi
2008-12-30, 06:39
Nickel coated Copper?

Hit it with a magnet, if it sticks, it steel.

Have fun, theres hours of amusement in electroplating.

Make a solarpowered electroplating plant from a old solar powered garden light.

50% solution of car battery electrolite/water might be the right solution to do it in.

Turn copper sulphate solution (blue) into Copper metal.

Enjoy.