How to use a 12V 10 Amp. a/c to d/c converter for electrolysis

[pyrogenius007]

Hello, I am planning to make Barium Chlorate by electrolysis, I have read about how it is done in Pyroguide . A electrolyte made of 40gms. sodium Chloride dissolved in 100ml. of water is converted to Sodium Chlorate by electrolysis and then Barium Chloride is added to it to make Barium Chlorate by metathesis. I have a MMO anode rated for 10 amps., measuring 5" x 1.5" x 2mm. My query is regarding power supply. I have a a/c to d/c converter (Chinese made) which gives an output of 12V - 10 amps. I have read that 12V is quite high for an electrolytic cell. One suggestion was that the power can be split to two cells, since I have only one anode can I set up a parallel cell to make red iron oxide, the materials required are just a cell, electrolyte consisting of salt water, a iron rod and a thick copper wire. Another suggestion was to increase the distance between the anode and cathode, If this can be a solution what should be the distance between the two. I plan to make a cell containing 250 ml. of electrolyte. The site says that for every 100 gms. of Sodium Chloride that was started with 355 gms. of Barium Chloride should be added , since the electrolyte is made with 40gms. of sodium chloride 250 ml. of electrolyte should contain 100 gms. of it. If the solution to my above problem is to make a larger cell I will go for a larger cell, say about 500ml. or 1 ltr. Since I am doing it for the first time I wanted to make a small batch, however, if a bigger cell will solve my problem I will go ahead with it. All suggestions/advices will be highly appreciated Thanks.

[Arthur]

The cell voltage for a sodium chloride cell is usually about 3.5v, so 12 v is way too much, something will fry. Look for a psu that says 5v 10A (or 5v 50A) and use the voltage adjustment on the board to adjust the current flow.

 

Commercial cells may be run in series to get say 50v at 10,000a but this is for commercial reasons and balancing cells is hard work for small users.

[MadMat]

Well, you could build your cell so you can make the distance between the anode and cathode rather long (2-1/2" to 5"). The electrolyte's resistance increases as the distance between the electrodes increases. What you need to do is calculate the surface area of your electrodes and then you can figure the desired current for your cell. You then adjust the distance between the electrodes until you achieve the desired current. Though it will work, remember that the extra power being dissipated in the electrolyte will make it run hotter and you may even need to be able to cool your cell