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Chemistry Forums for Students => Organic Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: rossdavid424 on February 27, 2020, 12:27:52 AM

Title: Acid base reaction and electrolysis
Post by: rossdavid424 on February 27, 2020, 12:27:52 AM

If I were to do an acid base reaction between HCl and NaOH, would I be able to do electrolysis in order to get elemental hydrogen directly after because the products are essentially a salt water solution?

Title: Re: Acid base reaction and electrolysis
Post by: chenbeier on February 27, 2020, 01:42:28 AM

Yes, it is a large industry  technology to produce Chlorine and sodium hydroxide. Hydrogen will also be developed.

Title: Re: Acid base reaction and electrolysis
Post by: Enthalpy on March 02, 2020, 03:19:39 PM

HCl or NaOH would both suffice. No need to react them. Electrolysis of NaCl solutions is more difficult due to secondary reactions. Prefer NaOH, since the other gas made by electrolysis is oxygen, while HCl evolves toxic chlorine.

What amount of hydrogen do you expect from what current and time? The result uses to be disappointing.