Why can't copper and aluminum coexist in a water-cooled computer?

Anyone who has used a water-cooled computer knows that copper and aluminum should be avoided in the water-cooled circulation system. The fear is that the two produce galvanic battery reaction, will corrode the cold head or cold row.

So why does this happen? First we need to figure out what a galvanic reaction is, and in a galvanic cell, the chemical reaction that happens is REDOX. There are electrons flowing out of the electrode where the oxidation reaction takes place, and the substance losing electrons is the reducing agent. Electrons flow through the negative electrode of the galvanic cell through the wire to the positive electrode, where the oxidant gets electrons and a reduction reaction occurs. Galvanic cells convert chemical energy into electrical energy through chemical reactions.

There are four indispensable conditions for the formation of a galvanic cell:

1. Two kinds of metals with different activity make up the electrode.
2. Electrolyte solution
3. Form a closed loop

4. REDOX reactions can occur spontaneously

   Thus it can be seen that in the water cooling computer, if copper and aluminum are used at the same time, the above conditions are met and the galvanic reaction occurs. And then if we do a more careful analysis of what’s required, the electrolyte solution can be eliminated, so that the reaction doesn’t occur. What is an electrolyte solution? An electrolyte solution is a solution in which a solute is completely or partially ionized after being dissolved in a solvent. The solute is an electrolyte and its conductivity is a characteristic of electrolyte solutions. In plain English, any liquid with anion and anion moving around can become an electrolyte solution. In this way, the liquid in the water-cooled computer is difficult to ensure that there is no anion and anion, especially with tap water, distilled water, poor thermal conductivity liquid, impurities more ions also more, the corresponding galvanic reaction will speed up.

If the water cooling accessories are all copper, the impact is not big. However, as we all know, it is not completely realistic to choose copper for all accessories. Due to the difference in price and cost and the requirements of technology, it is impossible to completely adopt copper. In this case, how to control the formation of electrolyte solution is the key to prevent the galvanic cell reaction. This is why it is not recommended to use thermal conductivity fluid arbitrarily. Special heat conduction liquid will choose deionized water, but also add scale inhibitors, as far as possible to ensure the liquid clean. In this way, even if not completely blocking the galvanic battery reaction, will greatly slow down, to protect the water cooling system.