ELECTROLYSIS OF
WATER
GREEN HOUSE SCIENCE EXHIBITION
MEMBERS :- LOHITAKSH SINGH RANA (9E)
AVIK JASH (9A)
INTRODUCTION
Electrolysis of water is a chemical
process that uses an electric current to
split water molecules (H₂O) into their
constituent gases: hydrogen (H₂) and
oxygen (O₂). This reaction is fundamental
in both chemistry and various applications,
including renewable energy and industrial
processes.
In an electrolytic cell, water is broken
down when a direct current (DC) is passed
through it. The setup typically involves two
electrodes immersed in water containing
an electrolyte (like a small amount of acid
or base) to improve conductivity. When the
current flows, oxidation occurs at the
anode (positive electrode) to produce
oxygen gas, while reduction happens at
the cathode (negative electrode) to
generate hydrogen gas.
APPLICATION OF
ELECTROLYSIS OF WATER
1. Hydrogen Production:
Hydrogen generated from electrolysis serves as a clean fuel source for vehicles, industries, and power
generation. Unlike traditional fossil fuels, hydrogen only produces water as a byproduct when used in
fuel cells, making it an eco-friendly alternative.
2. Fuel Cells for Energy Storage:
Electrolysis-produced hydrogen can be stored and later used in fuel cells to generate electricity,
providing a renewable energy storage solution, especially for off-grid power systems and remote areas.
3. Industrial Oxygen Supply:
The oxygen produced during electrolysis is used in various industries, such as metal cutting, welding,
and medical applications. Oxygen has also found application in water treatment plants to help in
sewage treatment.
4. Rocket Fuel:
Hydrogen and oxygen, generated by electrolysis, are key components in rocket propulsion systems. In
the aerospace industry, liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen are commonly used as rocket fuel due to
their high energy output.
5. Metallurgy:
In the metallurgical industry, hydrogen generated from electrolysis is used to reduce metal ores in
processes like the reduction of iron ore, where it acts as a cleaner alternative to carbon-based
reduction.
6. Energy Storage and Renewable Energy Integration:
Electrolysis can be used to convert surplus renewable energy (e.g., from solar and wind) into hydrogen
for later use, helping balance supply and demand in the grid and enhancing energy security.
RELEVENCE OF
ELECTROLYSIS OF
WATER
Environmental Sustainability: With the
growing emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas
emissions, electrolysis offers a cleaner
alternative for hydrogen production, as
traditional methods rely on methane and release
carbon dioxide. When powered by renewable
energy sources, electrolysis can contribute to
achieving carbon neutrality.
Green Transportation: Electrolysis-derived
hydrogen is essential for powering hydrogen fuel
cell vehicles, which produce zero emissions and
have a longer range compared to battery
electric vehicles, making them highly relevant
for long-distance and heavy-duty transport.
Energy Independence: Electrolysis allows
countries to produce their own hydrogen locally,
reducing dependency on fossil fuel imports, and
PROCEDURE
First, we will take a container of acidified water
(H2o+NaOH)
Next, we will take test tubes and fill with acidified
water and turn it upside down completely filled
Then, we will put electrodes in the test tubes
containing water
After that, we will connect these electrodes to the 9
Volt battery using
Then we will wait for 2 minutes for the production of
Oxygen and Hydrogen
Then we will test for Oxygen and Hydrogen present -
For Oxygen we will put a burning sphincter in the
KEY CONCEPTS
Electrolysis Setup
Electrodes: Two electrodes (anode and cathode) are placed in water. These are typically
made of an inert material like platinum or graphite to avoid reaction with the water.
Power Supply: A direct current (DC) power source is connected to the electrodes, where the
positive terminal is . connected to the anode and the negative terminal to the
cathode.
REACTION
At the Cathode (-): Water is reduced, and hydrogen gas is released.
At the Anode (+): Water is oxidized, and oxygen gas is released.