Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Chemistry => Topic started by: Anarchistkid on 27/01/2008 04:10:55

Title: How do I make iron oxide?
Post by: Anarchistkid on 27/01/2008 04:10:55
So i do the whole cut a dc converter wrap the wire around iron im sure everyone knows it as a simple way to make iron orixde, but when i do it i get several things occuring. First i see alot of black debris coming off the nail on the positive wire and alot of white cloud around it. I think the white may be chlorine and the black may be a form of iron oxide? also there are alot of green specks which may be a mix of chlorine and iron? If someone could tell me whats happening i would really appreciate it thanks


Mod edit - formatted the subject as a question.  Please try to do this to help keep the forum tidy and easy to navigate - thanks!
Title: How do I make iron oxide?
Post by: chris on 03/08/2008 12:32:22
I presume from your description that you are electrolysing an iron object with a DC supply using salty water as the electrolyte?

I think the the black debris is iron 3+ oxide; the green material sounds like iron 2+; it's possible that iron 3+ ions are being reduced to iron 2+.

what does everyone else think?

Chris