The Production of Hydrogen and Oxygen by the Electrolysis of Water

The objects of this paper are to review the principles and practice of the electrolysis of water and to discuss its interest to the electrical engineer. Following the chemical expression of the process, the various factors influencing the yields and power requirements are considered. In the theoretical treatment, the application of Faraday´s laws is discussed, together with the question of current efficiency. The factors controlling the cell voltage, such as minimum-decomposition voltage, over-voltage, current density and resistance of electrolytes are studied, data being supplied as a guide to the general design requirements of this type of equipment. Methods and materials of construction are also discussed with some notes on the handling of the gases. Some modern types of apparatus are described and the performance of the equipment illustrated. The demand for the two gases is discussed and some of their uses are defined. Finally, the author suggests, on the basis of some of the figures included, that the large amounts of power concerned should be of the greatest interest to electrical engineers.