Question

Can Borax be used for electrolysis ?

Answer 1

Yes, Borax can be used for electrolysis as explained below:

• Borax also known as sodium borate having chemical formula ${\mathrm{Na}}_2{\mathrm{B}}_4{\mathrm{O}}_7$ can be dissolved in water to from various hydrate forms.
• The membrane electrolysis of Borax produces the essential compounds such as sodium hydroxide ($\mathrm{NaOH}$) and orthoboric acid (${\mathrm{H}}_3{\mathrm{BO}}_3$).
• The final reaction of membrane electrolysis of borax is given below:

${\mathrm{Na}}_2{\mathrm{B}}_4{\mathrm{O}}_7+8{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\to 4{\mathrm{H}}_3{\mathrm{BO}}_3+2\mathrm{NaOH}+\frac{1}{2}{\mathrm{O}}_2+{\mathrm{H}}_2$

Therefore, the above points clearly explains the electrolysis of Borax.