Question

Explain preparation of hydrogen through electrolysis

Answer 1

Answer:

Electrolysis is the process of passing electricity through water. On passing electricity through water, it releases hydrogen and oxygen is obtained as a byproduct.

Answer 2

High purity of hydrogen (>99.9%) is obtained by the electrolysis of water containing traces of acid or alkali or electrolysis of aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide using a nickel anode and iron cathode. This process is not economical for large scale production.

At anode :

$\sf{2OH}^{ - } → H_2O + 12O_2 + 2 {e}^{ - }$

At cathode :

$\sf \: 2H_2O + 2 {e}^{ - } → 2O {H}^{ - } + H_2$

Overall reaction :

$\sf \: H_2O → H_2 + 14 O_2..$