Effect of operating parameters on hydrogen production by electrolysis of water

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2017-10, Vol.42 (40), p.25550-25557
• Main Authors: Chakik, Fatima ezzahra, Kaddami, Mohammed, Mikou, Mohammed
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alkaline water electrolysis; Binary alloys; Cathode; Electrolyte; Hydrogen
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2017.07.015

This paper presents an experimental study of hydrogen production by alkaline water electrolysis using Zinc alloys as materials for cathode. The aim of this study is to select the best alloy for producing hydrogen on testing the effect of some operating parameters. Experiments were conducted on a water electrolysis cell with two electrodes (anode/cathode). Throughout these experiments, we have chosen to use NaOH solution with different concentrations as an electrolyte. Binary alloys: Zn95%Fe5%, Zn90%Fe10%, Zn85%Fe15%, Zn95%Cu5%, Zn90%Cu10%, Zn85%Cu15%, Zn95%Co5%, Zn90%Co10%, Zn95%Cr5% and Zn90%Cr10% (mass %) were prepared as electrodes for the cathode. The effect of electrode composition, the electrolyte concentration, the voltage and amperage applied on volume of hydrogen produced are experimentally investigated. The results showed that the performance of alkaline water electrolysis is significantly affected by these various factors. Indeed, this preliminary study revealed that cathodes elaborated by (Zn95%Cr5%) and (Zn90%Cr10%) (mass %) produce more hydrogen gas than other alloys, in a minimum durations over the range of operating parameters tested. •A study of hydrogen production using Zinc alloys as cathodes is presented.•Electrodes for the cathode were prepared by sintering metallic powders.•Effects of some parameters on H2 produced are experimentally investigated.•Electrodes: Zn95%Cr5% & Zn90%Cr10% produce more H2 than other alloys.