Question

I am currently conducting an electrolysis experiment using a 30 amp power supply with a voltage ranging from 10 to 16 volts.I am thinking of using potassium sulfate (K2SO4) dissolved in water as an electrolyte. I am using graphite rods as the electrodes. My primary goal is to produce hydrogen and oxygen gases through the electrolysis process. However, before proceeding further, I would like to clarify a few points:

-Is potassium sulfate a suitable pH-neutral electrolyte for my intended purpose of producing only hydrogen and oxygen gases?
-Will the electrolysis of potassium sulfate generate any harmful byproducts that I should be aware of?
-Are there any specific considerations or precautions I should keep in mind while using graphite rods as the electrodes with potassium sulfate electrolyte?
I appreciate any insights, suggestions, or relevant information that can help me optimize my experiment and ensure the safe and efficient production of hydrogen and oxygen gases. Thank you!

Answer 1

Potassium sulfate is a suitable pH-neutral electrolyte for the electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen and oxygen gas. No harmful byproducts should result when using graphite electrodes, although precautions should be taken to ensure the experiment is carried out safely.

Step-by-step explanation:

Potassium sulfate (K2SO4) is indeed a suitable pH-neutral electrolyte that can be used for the electrolysis of water with the intent to produce hydrogen and oxygen gases. During electrolysis using graphite electrodes and a potassium sulfate electrolyte, no harmful byproducts should be generated if the solution is pure and the equipment is used correctly. The overall reactions in the electrolytic cell will have water being reduced to hydrogen gas at the cathode and oxidized to oxygen gas at the anode.

While potassium sulfate does not produce harmful byproducts, there are specific considerations to be aware of when using graphite electrodes. They are relatively inert, but can degrade over time, potentially releasing small amounts of carbon particles into the solution. Precautions such as proper ventilation, using safety equipment, and ensuring the purity of potassium sulfate can help mitigate risks.