Question

What voltage will electrolysis remove rust?

Answer 1

• Electrolysis is defined as a process of decomposing ionic compounds into their elements by passing a direct electric current through the compound.
• The process of electrolysis requires external energy to start the reaction.
• The main components required for electrolysis are the electrolytes, electrodes, and external energy source.
• Rust is the flaky orange-brown colored substance formed on the surface of the iron.
• This happens because of prolonged exposure to iron in air containing oxygen and moisture.
• The chemical reaction related to rusting is as follows:
  $\underset{\mathrm{Iron}}{4\mathrm{Fe}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)}+\underset{\mathrm{Oxygen}}{3{\mathrm{O}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)}+\underset{\mathrm{Water}}{{\mathrm{xH}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)}\to \underset{\mathrm{Iron}\left(\mathrm{III}\right)\mathrm{oxide}\left(\mathrm{Rust}\right)}{2{\mathrm{Fe}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3.{\mathrm{xH}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)}$
• $24$ volt DC power supply works great to remove the rust through electrolysis.
• The energy above this voltage is going to be wasted and therefore can not be preferred.

Hence, the voltage that is required during the electrolysis process for the removal of rust is $\mathbf{24}\mathbf{}\mathbf{volt}\mathbf{}\mathbf{DC}$.