What Is the Process of Depositing Metal Particles in Pure Water Called?

[BogMonkey]

The only kind of electrolysis I've learned about is electrolysis of salts dissolved in water. In that case there's current flowing through between the two electrodes but what do you call the process where you submerge 2 electrodes of the same metal in pure water in order to produce a solution of water and metal particles?

 

[Borek]

Solution of metal particles? Suspension perhaps?

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[quicknote]

The process you are describing is known as electrodeposition or electrowinning. It is commonly used in industries to extract pure metals from their ores or to coat surfaces with a specific metal. In this process, the pure water acts as the electrolyte and the electrodes of the same metal serve as the anode and cathode. As a current is passed through the electrodes, the metal ions from the anode are attracted to the cathode and deposited on its surface, resulting in a solution of water and metal particles. This process can also be used to purify water by removing impurities through the deposition of metal ions on the cathode. It is an important industrial process, but it is not widely used in everyday life as it requires a significant amount of energy and specialized equipment.