vesielektrolyysillä

Vesielektrolyysi, also known as water electrolysis, is a process that uses electricity to split water (H2O) into its constituent elements, hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2). This process occurs in an electrolytic cell, which typically contains two electrodes immersed in an electrolyte. The electrolyte can be pure water, but it's usually enhanced with an ionizable substance, like an acid or a base, to improve its conductivity.

When an electric current is passed through the electrolyte, water molecules are reduced at the cathode (negative electrode) to produce hydrogen gas, and oxidized at the anode (positive electrode) to produce oxygen gas. The overall reaction is 2H2O(l) → 2H2(g) + O2(g). The hydrogen gas collects at the cathode, and the oxygen gas collects at the anode.

The primary applications of water electrolysis include the production of high-purity hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen produced through electrolysis is often termed "green hydrogen" if the electricity used comes from renewable sources, as this method has a low carbon footprint. This green hydrogen has significant potential as a clean fuel for transportation, industry, and energy storage. Oxygen produced can also be used in various industrial and medical applications.

While water electrolysis is a well-established technology, its widespread adoption is often limited by the energy costs involved. However, ongoing research and development aim to improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of electrolytic systems, making them a more viable option for sustainable energy production and storage.