Electrolysis of Water A Green Technology

As a result, oxygen gas, O2, is given off at the anode. The power supply forces electrons onto the cathode, where the following reduction half-reaction occurs  

As a result, hydrogen gas is produced at the cathode. The H+ ions produced at the anode and the OH ions produced at the cathode combine according to the neutralization reaction 

ElectrolyticaUy generated hydrogen gas fuel is perhaps the ultimate green fuel in that the electricity can be generated from renewable sources that may be intermittent in nature. In Iceland, the electricity is generated by abundant renewable hydroelectric and geothermal steam sources. In other areas, solar cells and windpower can be used to produce electricity required to electrolyze water. These sources are inherently 

F ure 8.10. Electrolysis of melted sodium chloride to produce liquid sodium metal and chlorine gas. 

Withdrawal of electrons from the graphite anode by the external electrical circuit applies the driving force for the oxidation half-reaction 

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