Question
Describe the bulk preparation of hydrogen by an electrolytic method. What is the role of electrolyte in this process?
Or
How is dihydrogen manufactured by the electrolysis of water?
Solution
It is manufactured by the electrolysis of water containing a small amount of acid or alkali(electrolyte) using nickel plated iron as anode and iron as a cathode. The two electrodes are separated from each other by an asbestos diaphragm which prevents mixing of H2 and O2. On passing an electric current, water is decomposed into hydrogen and oxygen. Dihydrogen is collected at the cathode while oxygen is collected at the anode.
The role of electrolyte (acid) is to make water conducting.
