Studying the efficiency of the electrode materials operation in the electrolysis systems providing a separate cycle of gas generation

Abstract

The article describes the main principles of realization of the electrochemical method for generating the high-pressure hydrogen and oxygen from water when the electrodes are manufactured from the variable valence materials. There was studied the chemical activity of cooperation of the Ni - Fe, Ст.3 - Fe and 08Х18Н10Т - Fe electrode pairs with the caustic potassium water solution. The study results are compared as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each electrode pair are estimated. The dynamics of the complete cycle of voltage change of hydrogen and oxygen isolation are presented when the current density for the above mentioned electrode pairs was I = 0,015A/sm2. Considered the galvanic effect of the precipitation of iron salts of acids on the surface of electrolysis cell, which leads to a reduction of the duration of the half cycle of oxygen generation. The laboratory stand manufacturing scheme is described. It displays the electrolyzer operation parameters: voltage change, current strength, pressure and quantity of the isolated hydrogen (oxygen). Selected optimal limits of voltage changes of the electrochemical reaction (0,3 – 1 V), which gives the possibility to minimize the unit cost of electrical energy for the process generation of hydrogen and oxygen. The recommendations are given as to application of this hydrogen (oxygen) generation method under use of the renewable energy as a primary energy source (solar, wind), characterized by impermanence of receipt.