CastnerKellnerin

Castner-Kellner cell is a type of electrochemical cell used primarily for the electrolysis of water and other aqueous solutions. It is named after its inventors, William Castner and Carl Kellner, who developed the cell in the 19th century. The cell consists of two electrodes, an anode and a cathode, immersed in an electrolyte solution. The anode is typically made of a noble metal such as platinum, while the cathode is made of a less noble metal such as zinc. The electrolyte solution is usually an aqueous solution of a salt, such as sodium chloride or potassium hydroxide.

The Castner-Kellner cell operates by applying an electric current to the electrodes, which causes the electrolyte to undergo electrolysis. At the anode, water molecules are oxidized to produce oxygen gas and protons. The protons then migrate through the electrolyte to the cathode, where they are reduced to produce hydrogen gas. The overall reaction is the electrolysis of water, which produces hydrogen and oxygen gases.

The Castner-Kellner cell has several applications, including the production of hydrogen gas for use in fuel cells and other industrial processes. It is also used in the production of sodium hydroxide, which is a common industrial chemical. The cell is relatively simple and inexpensive to operate, making it a popular choice for large-scale industrial applications. However, it does have some limitations, including the need for a constant supply of electricity and the potential for the production of hazardous gases.