Amateur pyrotechnics and chemistry forum http://pyroprojektek.org
In this video we show how to make potassium chlorate from potassium chloride by electrolysis.
For the anode, carbon, platinum or mixed metal oxide works best. For the cathode, almost any metal can be used but titanium is preferred.
The electrodes are simply inserted into a solution of potassium chloride salt and a current is passed through. The anode is the positive connection while the cathode is the negative connection. The current should be adjusted to match the surface of the electrode. For carbon that's around 40ma/cm^2, for platinum 300ma/cm^2, for mixed metal oxide 200ma/cm^2. You can use less current for lower heating and wear but the production will take longer.
The electrolysis must be kept in a well ventilated area since it produces hydrogen gas as well as small amounts of chlorine gas.
As the reaction progresses the potassium chlorate will precipitate our and the potassium chloride will be depleted. This has the overall effect of lowering the solution concentration. Every so often the salts must be topped up. Saturated potassium chloride solution has a density of 1.16g/mL. I recommend adding more potassium chloride salt when the density drifts below 1.1g/mL
Watch the full video here:https://viuly.io/video/make-potassium-chlorate-by-electrolysis---the-basic-guide-587923
My viuly channel: https://viuly.io/channel/88198
Amateur pyrotechnics and chemistry forum http://pyroprojektek.org
In this video we show how to make potassium chlorate from potassium chloride by electrolysis.
For the anode, carbon, platinum or mixed metal oxide works best. For the cathode, almost any metal can be used but titanium is preferred.
The electrodes are simply inserted into a solution of potassium chloride salt and a current is passed through. The anode is the positive connection while the cathode is the negative connection. The current should be adjusted to match the surface of the electrode. For carbon that's around 40ma/cm^2, for platinum 300ma/cm^2, for mixed metal oxide 200ma/cm^2. You can use less current for lower heating and wear but the production will take longer.
The electrolysis must be kept in a well ventilated area since it produces hydrogen gas as well as small amounts of chlorine gas.
As the reaction progresses the potassium chlorate will precipitate our and the potassium chloride will be depleted. This has the overall effect of lowering the solution concentration. Every so often the salts must be topped up. Saturated potassium chloride solution has a density of 1.16g/mL. I recommend adding more potassium chloride salt when the density drifts below 1.1g/mL