[MilchstrabeStern]

Hi guys,

I'm planning on making a hydrogen cell powered by solar energy. I have done various experiments involving electricity to create hydrogen and chemical interactions to create hydrogen.

However I am well aware that the rods can and will corrode away.

I have 2 questions for you guys:

1. How come the rods (cathode and anode) corrode while sepereating the hydrogen and oxygen ions in the water?

2. What is the BEST material to use for the cathode and anode to prevent this corrosion?

Thanks guys!

-Bryan

[xiankai]

depending on the electrode material, they corrode away by entering a chemical reaction with the electrolyte/products.

in this case i think the electrodes are oxidised by the oxygen present.

my best bet would be to use graphite electrodes as they arent easily oxidised to CO2 under rtp.