EC

Chemistry

Electrolysis Concentration Calculator

Calculate charge, theoretical and actual converted moles, solution depletion, final ion concentration, deposit mass, and current density.

Total electrical charge (C)-
Theoretical species converted (mol)-
Efficiency-adjusted species converted (mol)-
Initial electroactive ion amount (mol)-
Fraction of initial ions converted-
Ion concentration decrease (mol/L)-
Estimated final ion concentration (mol/L)-
Expected deposited mass (g)-
Applied current density (A/cm²)-

Decision view

Electron flow, electrode deposition, and electrolyte depletion

Electron flow, electrode deposition, and electrolyte depletionCharge packets cross the cell while a live ion reservoir drains toward the stoichiometric inventory limit.
Exact scenario comparisonElectrolysis time (min) changes while all other entered assumptions remain constant.
Electrolysis time (min)Total electrical charge (C)Theoretical species converted (mol)Efficiency-adjusted species converted (mol)Initial electroactive ion amount (mol)Fraction of initial ions convertedIon concentration decrease (mol/L)Estimated final ion concentration (mol/L)Expected deposited mass (g)Applied current density (A/cm²)

How to use Electrolysis Concentration Calculator

  1. Enter steady current and elapsed time.
  2. Use electrons per mole from the half-reaction.
  3. Enter Faradaic efficiency, electrolyte inventory, molar mass, and active area.

Calculator guide

Understanding Electrolysis Concentration Calculator

Electrolysis converts charge into chemical amount through electron stoichiometry. Faradaic efficiency and the available ion inventory then limit actual concentration change.

Charge sets theory I×t converts to electron moles.
Efficiency reduces output Side reactions consume the remaining charge.
Inventory caps chemistry Conversion cannot exceed ions initially present.

Detailed calculation process

Detailed electrolysis concentration calculation

The default runs 2.5 A for 45 minutes with z=2, 92% efficiency, and 1.2 L of 0.15 M ions.

General formula: Q=Itn_theory=Q/(zF)n_actual=n_theory η_Fn_initial=C_0Vn_conv=min(n_actual,n_initial)ΔC=n_conv/VC_f=max(0,C_0-ΔC)m=n_conv M Faraday’s constant converts charge per mole of electrons. Stoichiometry and efficiency map electrons to species before solution inventory is applied.

What each symbol means

I,t,Q current, time, and charge
z,F electrons per species mole and Faraday constant
η_F Faradaic efficiency
C_0,V,M initial concentration, volume, and product molar mass

Worked substitution with the default inputs

1. Integrate charge Q=2.5*(45*60)=6,750 C Ampere-seconds are coulombs.
2. Convert charge to species n_theory=6,750/(2*96,485.33212)=0.03498 moln_actual=0.03498*0.92=0.03218 mol Electron stoichiometry and efficiency both reduce chemical conversion.
3. Close solution inventory n_initial=0.15*1.2=0.180 molΔC=0.03218/1.2=0.02682 MC_f=0.12318 Mm=0.03218*63.546=2.045 g Available ions exceed the charge-limited conversion.

The default predicts about 0.03218 mol converted, 2.045 g deposited, and final ion concentration near 0.1232 M.

Worked situations

Practical examples

  • The default applies 6,750 C.
  • At z=2 and 92% efficiency, about 0.03218 mol converts, lowering 1.2 L from 0.15 M to about 0.1232 M.

Better inputs

Useful tips

  • Use integrated current for variable-current runs.
  • Measure active rather than geometric area when appropriate.
  • Track mixing and mass-transfer limits.

Before relying on the result

Limitations and common mistakes

  • Current and efficiency are assumed constant.
  • Back reaction, side products, transport limitation, electrode loss, volume change, and ohmic heating are omitted.
  • Deposit is capped only by the entered dissolved ion inventory.

Reference

Key terms

Faradaic efficiency
Fraction of charge producing the intended chemical conversion.
Electron number z
Moles of electrons required per mole of converted species.
Current density
Applied current divided by active electrode area.

Important note

Real electrolysis requires ventilation, electrical protection, compatible materials, gas handling, thermal control, and validated electrochemical data.

Frequently asked questions

Why multiply time by 60?

The entered minutes must become seconds so amperes produce coulombs.

What if calculated conversion exceeds inventory?

The concentration and deposit calculations cap at the entered initial ion moles.

Does Faraday’s law predict voltage?

No. Voltage and energy require cell potentials and losses.