Hydrogen plant using water for hydrogen generation via electrolysis, the dosing of KOH (Potassium Hydroxide)

For water electrolysis, the goal is to split H2O into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) gases. In alkaline electrolysis, hydroxide ions (OH−) serve as the primary charge carriers. KOH’s high solubility in water and robust production of OH− ions make it a prime candidate for enhancing conductivity. This minimized internal resistance allows for efficient electron transfer, which translates to better hydrogen output at reduced energy cost.

Typically, industrial electrolyzers use 20–30% KOH solutions. This concentration balances conductivity improvements with potential drawbacks like excessive viscosity or corrosiveness. Overly concentrated solutions may raise operational challenges, including hardware degradation and heat management. On the other hand, weaker solutions might suffer from suboptimal conductivity and reduced hydrogen yield efficiency.









 

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