Principle of Electrolysis of Water
Water molecules (H2O) split into hydrogen gas (H2) and oxygen gas (O2) when an electric current flows through them. We refer to this process as the electrolysis of water. This process takes place at electrodes where water molecules split into their component ions.
Application of electricity causes the water in an electrolytic cell, (which has platinum or graphite electrodes), to separate into hydrogen and oxygen gases.
- Water molecules pick up electrons and transform into hydrogen gas at the cathode (negative electrode).
- Water molecules lose electrons at the anode, or positive electrode, and transform into oxygen gas.
- In the end, this procedure separates water into its two constituent parts, oxygen and hydrogen.
Water Electrolysis Equations at Cathode and Anode
Depending on the electrolyte utilized, the reduction of protons (H+) of water molecules (H2O) at the cathode (negative electrode) produces hydrogen gas (H2). At the cathode, the half-reaction is:
2H2O(l) + 2e– → H2(g) + 2OH–
Water molecules [or hydroxide ions (OH–)] oxidize to create oxygen gas (O2) at the anode (positive electrode). At the anode, the half-reaction is:
4OH– → O2(g) + 2H2O(l) + 4e–
The net reaction of water electrolysis is given as:
2H2O(l) → O2(g) + 2H2(g)
Electrolysis of Water
Electrolysis of Water is a process in which water is split into hydrogen and oxygen gas when electricity is passed through it. This process occurs in an electrolyzer, which consists of two electrodes (anode and cathode) submerged in a water-based electrolyte solution.
In this article, we will learn about Electrolysis of Water, Principle and Process of Water Electrolysis, along its advantages.
Table of Content
- What is Electrolysis of Water?
- Principle of Electrolysis of Water
- Factors Affecting Water Electrolysis
- Process of Electrolysis of Water
- Electrolysis of Water Advantages