Naked Science Forum
Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: scientizscht on 23/07/2020 13:33:53
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Hello
Is it the case that when hydrogen is produced via electrolysis, the oxygen present burns some of that hydrogen produced?
If yes, how is this managed in real applications?
Thanks!
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No.
If the electrolysis is done with direct current, the gases are evolved at different electrodes.
If you use alternating current you will get a stoichiometric mixture of hydrogen and oxygen sometimes known as Brown's Gas that is reasonably stable until triggered with a spark. It's an interesting substance that can be fed into a blowpipe and burns to a colorless flame without additional oxygen, and can be used as a source of heat or motive to power in a confined space aas its only waste product is water.
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To some small extent, there will be oxygen dissolved in the water.
It's rather hard to tell if that oxygen is reduced at the electrode or if it combines with hydrogen at the electrode.
The outcome is the same, you get slightly less hydrogen.