Electrolysis of Molten Lead(II) Bromide

Set-up of apparatus to study electrolysis of molten lead(II) bromide

Diagram shows reactions occurs during electrolysis of molten lead(II) bromide at both electrodes

• Molten lead(II) bromide consists of lead(II) ions and bromide ions.
• During electrolysis of molten lead(II) bromide, bromide ions move to anode and lead(II) ions move to cathode.
• At anode, bromide ions are discharged by releasing electrons to form bromine. Half equation for the reaction is 2Br^-  --> Br₂ + 2e^-
• At cathode, lead(II) ions are discharged by accepting electrons to form lead.  Half equation for the reaction is 

           Pb²⁺ + 2e^- --> Pb