Electrolysis of Salt Water
Peter Lindner
Ridgewood High School
January 31, 2011
Today’s Setup
-
+
V
A
My tests
Voltage Current
H2
Two dead 9Volts
7V
27mA
OKAY
Cell Phone Charger
5.1V
23mA
OKAY
Power Supply
34V
168mA GREAT
Electrolyte
Any substance containing free ions that
make the substance electrically conductive
Examples:
• Sodium Chloride
• Calcium Chloride
• Citric Acid
• Gatorade/Juices
Questions
• What are electrolytes?
• Why is the electrolyte solution needed?
• What is made at the Cathode? What is
made at the Anode?
• What are the benefits of this setup? When
compared to the PEM electrolyzer?
• What are the disadvantages?
REACTIONS
• Anode (positive):
• Cathode (negative):
OVERALL:
2H2O O2+4H++4e4H++4e-2H2
2H2O O2+2H2