Figure 1. Model for the processes during the synthesis of the nanoparticles on the particle level. A: Due to the high cathodic potential at the metal electrode the water is reduced at the phase transition, resulting in an anhydrous layer around the electrode. B: The metal of the electrode along with the cations of the electrolyte form the anionic metal species. The latter are oxidized to elementary metal by water in C and D. E: The generated nanoparticles are released from the electrode

From

Electrochemical Synthesis of Coin Metal Nanoparticles in School Chemistry Education

Elena von Hoff, Stefanie Waitz, Felix Kollenda, Thomas Waitz

World Journal of Chemical Education. 2018, 6(1), 72-77 doi:10.12691/wjce-6-1-11