Electrochemistry of waste minimisation

An understanding of the chemistry and the electrochemistry which occur in the cell, is essential for the successful adoption of an electrochemical process. This understanding is embodied in knowledge of the reaction mechanisms and thermodynamics and kinetics of the electrode processes. Electrode reactions are heterogeneous, multistep processes and can involve several species and phases liquid, solid and gas. The tendency for a parti- 

In the case of the copper system, with a value of Eq of 0.34 V, corrosion of the copper can only occur by the reduction of dissolved oxygen and not by proton reduction. 

Many solution species, particularly metal ions, exhibit a tendency to complex with other species in solution. The metal is then not present as a free ion, but is present as a complex with an inorganic or organic ligand, e.g. cyanide, chloride or EDTA. Changes in the standard reduction potential of a metal ion occur if the metal ion is complexed. Metal deposition will occur less easily when complexation occurs and this is seen in a more negative reduction potential for the complexed metal ion, which can be as great as 0.6-0.8 V. 

Although the application of Pourbaix diagrams gives useful information on the behaviour of many systems relevant to environmental and synthesis 

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