In this video we restore s silver metal coin with electrochemistry.

Old silver is often tarnished by a thin layer of silver sulfide that appears as a brown color. The silver sulfide can be electrochemically converted back into pure silver if a negative potential is applied.

To do this, first make a solution of 200mL water and 20g sodium chloride (salt) with 10g sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). They won't completely dissolve but this is acceptable. Then simply place a silver object in the solution and contact it with a large piece of aluminum foil. In a short time the silver will be restored.

A very cool way to do the same thing is to use a battery. Connect the negative end of the battery to the silver and the positive end to a large electrode, like a copper plate, and dip them both in the solution.

This process occurs due to electrochemical reduction of the silver sulfide to silver.


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