2 Methods

2.1 Background

The process for the synthesis of copper (II) sulfate utilized in this protocol is a two-step process. The initial step uses membrane electrolysis to produce sulfuric acid. During membrane electrolysis, the MgSO4 disassociates into the H2O solution into the Mg+ and SO4- ions. The solution is then subjected to an electrical current with a membrane of some material placed between the anode and cathode. This process allows the Mg+ ion to migrate towards the cathode due to the positive charge of Mg+ being attracted to the negative cathode. On the Anode side of the membrane, the SO4- ions migrate towards the positive anode. The membrane allows for the transfer of the ions to their respective electrodes while preventing the products of the subsequent reactions from traversing the membrane. The chemical reaction that takes place during the process is expressed in Equations 1-3. \cite{Paidar_2016} 
(1) MgSO4 Dissasocation Reaction\cite{sulfate}
\(2MgSO_4\ +\ H_2O\to\ 2Mg^+\left(aq\right)\ +\ 2SO_4^-\left(aq\right)\)
(2)Cathode Reaction   \cite{2009}
\(4H_2O\left(l\right)\ +4e^-\ +2Mg^+\left(Aq\right)\ \to\ 2Mg\left(OH\right)_2\left(aq\right)\ +\ 2H_2^{ }\left(g\right)\)