Moreover, some of the electrochemical processes
although feasible, are so slow kinetically that at lower voltages these do
not seem to take place and extra potential (called overpotential) has to
be applied, which makes such process more difficult to occur For example, if we use molten NaCl, the products of electrolysis are
sodium metal and Cl2 gas Here we have only one cation (Na+) which is
reduced at the cathode (Na+ + e– ® Na) and one anion (Cl–) which is
oxidised at the anode (Cl– ® ½Cl2 + e– ) During the electrolysis of aqueous
sodium chloride solution, the products are NaOH, Cl2 and H2