MadSci Network: Chemistry |
Hi, I have begun using electrolysis to clean some old rusty and crusty artifacts. It's a pretty low key affair using an 8volt adapter from a Black and Decker drill with an aligator clip (chrome-over copper) and the negative lead attached to a stainless steel spoon. I clip an old crusty coin (copper) to the positive lead and the suspend it in a bowl of water. The stainless steel spoon is then suspend close to the coin and I add salt and lemon juice for the electolyte. I am wondering...what gases are given off during the bubbling of the electrolyte considering all the differant metals used and the combination of salt and lemon juice. Is the gas hazardous? I also use the same process on iron "grapeshot" and other ferrous metals. It really does bubble like crazy and I am careful to provide adequate ventilation...but was curious just the same. Thanks in advance. Thomas
Re: what gases are given off during electrolysis?
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