For electrolosis, how do I know which ions in the solution are being electrolysed and what the required voltage is?
Let's say you have a 1-molar NaCl solution with graphite electrodes.
Possibilities at the Cathode with potentials including overpotentials :
Na+ + e- --> Na E=-2,71V
2 H3O+ + 2e- --> H2 + H2O E=-1,41V
Possibilities at the Anode with potentials including overpotentials:
2Cl- --> Cl2 + 2e- E=+1,66V
4OH- --> O2 + 2H2O + 4e- E=1,92V
Here we would produce Hydrogen and Chlorine with a required voltage of 1,66V - (-1,41V) = 3,07V. This would suggest to me that the Cation with highest electrode potential and the Anion with the lowest electrode potential would be electrolysed.
But what if we would have a 1-molar solution of SilverIodid and graphite electrodes?
Because suddenly the electrode potential of the Cation (Silver) is higher than that of the Anion (Iodid)?
Would the reaction thrive itself? Because 0,54V-0,8V= -0,26V?