I believe that what goes on using TSP and parts with paint on them is actually above and beyond the simple reaction mentioned in that article, but, as I said, I am not a good enough chemist to be sure.....
One thing the article did not mention was the effect of the electrolyte on the reaction at all...... something which to me should have a very profound effect on the reactions at both the anode and the cathode.....
At any rate, Rudi is correct....it is not necessary to know the intimate details of the process in order to utilize it. Virtually none of us understand the workings of a CPU, and yet we all seem to manage the use of a computer very well, for the uses we wish to use it for.....
You are in a very unique position, Donster, to have a remarkable knowledge of electricity, and dipoles, etc..... So all of our academic bantering probably sounds like the meaningless chatter of children to you....
Listen to Rudi and Cecil, and you'll all be very happy with the results......
If anyone wants to try something more bizarre, however, those of us who like to banter intellectually will certainly oblige.......