Production of Hydrogen by Electrolysis of Water: Effects of the Electrolyte Type on the Electrolysis Performances

Romdhane Ben Slama

Higher Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology, University of Gabes, Gabes, Tunisia.

DOI: 10.4236/cweee.2013.22006                

Abstract

The production of hydrogen, vector of energy, by electrolysis way and by using photovoltaic solar energy can be optimized by suitable choice of electrolytes. Distilled water, usually used, due to membrane presence may be substituted by wastewaters, which enters more in their treatment. Waste water such as those of the Cleansing National Office, and also of the factories such as those referring with ammonia, the margines, and even urines that make it possible to produce much more hydrogen as distilled or salted water, more especially as they do not even require an additive or membranes: conventional electrolysers with two electrodes. This study seeks to optimize the choice among waste water and this, by electrolysis in laboratory or over the sun according to produced hydrogen flow criteria, electrolysis efficiency and electric power consumption. The additive used is NaCl. The most significant results are on the one hand the significant increase in the produced hydrogen flow by the addition of the additive; on the other hand the advantage of gas liquor and urine compared to the others tested electrolytes.

Keywords

Hydrogen Production; Electrolysis; Electrolyte; Photovoltaic

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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