Introduction
Conclusions
Electrolysis
With energy input, the bonds in water can be broken to produce oxygen and hydrogen. In fact, this reaction is simply the reverse of the reaction used in fuel cells to produce energy.
H2O = 1/2 O + H2
Electrolysis involves the flow of electrons from an electrical current input to the water molecule. In the electrolysis cell, there an electrolyte that allows the conduction of ions and a membrane that separates the reduciton and oxidation cells.
Compared to hydrogen production from fossil fuels, electrolysis is much more expensive. However, the advantage of electrolysis is that it can use excess electricity that would otherwise be wasted during off-peak periods. For example, a nuclear power plant could use excess electricity and heat to produce hydrogen gas during times of low energy demand, such as overnight, and sell the hydrogen to distributors.
>> How could electrolysis be improved?
Electrolysis could be improved with better electrolytes for conducting ions and catalysts to lower energy and temperature demands.