Hydrogen Hybrid Cars

The Equations of Electrolysis we looked at the details of the scientific equations of electrolysis, now let’s discuss the electrolytes we’ve talked about in your hydrogen automobile.

If the processes we discussed in The Equations of Electrolysis were to happen in pure water then the H+ cations (positively charged ion that’s attracted to a negative electrode in an electrolyte) will gather at the anode and the OH- anions (negatively charged ion that’s attracted to a positive electrode in an electrolyte) will go to the cathode. You can verify that by using a pH tester in the water of your hydrogen automobile. You’ll find the water closest to the anode (positive electrode) should be acidic while the water by the cathode (negative electrode) is basic (alkaline). Charged ions resist the flow of electricity until they’ve diffused away, which happens slowly, so they effectively begin to block the path. That’s why pure water isn’t a very good electric conductor for your hydrogen automobile and why the electrolysis will happen much more slowly in it.

If you add an electrolyte to your hydrogen automobile that dissolves well in water then the water’s conductivity increases substantially. The electrolyte itself disassociates into its own cations and anions. The electrolyte anions will rush to the anode to neutralize the positively charged H+ built up there. In the same way, the electrolyte cations will go to the cathode and neutralize the negatively charged OH− built up there. This will allow a continual flow of electricity.

You must be careful what electrolyte you choose in you hydrogen automobile. One of the anions from that electrolyte will compete with the hydroxide ions for its electron. If you choose an electrolyte anion that has a less standard electrode potential, than the hydroxide, it will oxidize instead of the hydroxide and you won’t get any oxygen. Likewise, a cation that has a greater standard electrode potential than the hydrogen ion it will reduce instead, and you won’t get any hydrogen.

Since you’re looking for cations that have a lower electrode potential than H+ try using one of the following electrolyte cations for best results in your hydrogen automobile:

Li+, Rb+, K+, Cs+, Ba2+, Sr2+, Ca2+, Na+, and Mg2+ (Lithium and Sodium are often used since they make inexpensive and dissolvable salts)

If you use an acid for the electrolyte in your hydrogen automobile, then the cation is H+ and there’s no competition for it from breaking down the water. Sulfate (SO42-) is the most commonly used since it rarely ever oxidizes. The standard potential of Sulfate to oxidize into the peroxodisulfate ion is −0.22 volts.

Stronger acids like Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4) or stronger bases like Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) and Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) are also commonly used electrolytes. Do not use NaCl in you hydrogen automobile because the anode will create deadly chlorine gas.

By: Sam Geo

1. 

   Kristina Palamino says:

   September 2, 2011 at 2:47 pm

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