We get acquainted with potassium hydroxide and electrolyte. Electrolyte selection is one of the most important tasks in cell design for batteries. The electrolyte electronically separates the electrodes from the direct reaction in a chemical reaction, the active species It transmits electro chemicals from the electrodes and is responsible for the important resistance of the cell, which determines the joule heat and the loss of usable electrical power and energy. In several cell types, the electrolyte even takes part in the cell’s major electrochemical reactions. Then, the electrolyte is defined by a specific cell reaction. In other cases, only the concentration of electrolyte components can vary within a limited range. Even if the electrolyte does not participate in the main electrochemical reactions, it still has a large effect on cell function. Alkaline aqueous electrolytes such as potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and lithium hydroxide are widely used in various types of batteries. The solubility of zinc oxide increases with increasing KOH concentration. However, increasing the KOH concentration reduces the electrode potential. Also, increasing the concentration of KOH leads to its high viscosity, thereby reducing the transfer rate of hydroxide ions. The optimum level of potassium hydroxide is increased for ionic conductivity and exchange current associated with the reaction kinetics. Aqueous potassium hydroxide is used as an electrolyte in nickel / cadmium, nickel / hydrogen and manganese / zinc dioxide-based alkaline batteries. Potassium hydroxide is preferred to sodium hydroxide because its solutions are more conductive. An electrolyte plays an important role in the electrochemistry of the battery, affecting the transfer characteristics of the active species, energy, and power density of the batteries. Much effort has been made to increase battery performance by improving the electrolyte.
Traditionally, the electrolyte for alkaline fuel cells is an aqueous solution of alkaline potassium hydroxide soaked in a matrix, with a normal range of 6 to 9. The solution should be as pure as possible to prevent contamination of the catalyst. The electrolyte can be mobile or immobile. The mobile electrolyte is pumped through the cells, destroying the wasted water and heat of the fuel cell. These cells typically have large flow channels of 2 to 3 mm to allow rapid flow. Excessive thickness increases the ohm polarization, which is a major AFC design. In AFCs that use stationary electrolytes, the KOH / H2O solution is stored in an asbestos matrix. The electrolyte layer can be as thin as 0.05 mm. Therefore, ohm polarization is not a problem in this type of AFC. The electrolyte is usually 30% potassium hydroxide.
The electrolyte is important because hydrogen generators use it to maintain the proper voltage across the plates and to transfer electrical current from one plate to another. They make water more conductive, because pure water is insulating and will not conduct any current. Pure water is rare. Most water contains conductive minerals. The more minerals, the better the performance. But when it comes to hydrogen producers, we have to minimize and eliminate impurities in the water that contaminate the electrode surfaces and stop the chemical process of electrolysis.
Electrolysis of alkaline water uses two electrodes used in a solution of liquid alkaline electrolyte, usually potassium hydroxide. Potassium hydroxide is a strong and caustic base. When water is alkaline, there are ions in the water that conduct electricity for electrolysis to occur. These electrodes are separated by a diaphragm, separating the product gases and transferring hydroxide ions from one electrode to another. Proton exchange technology eliminates the need for strong, combustible foundations that are essential to guide the electrolysis process. Potassium hydroxide, also called lysis, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula KOH, commonly called caustic potash. It is a strong base that is marketed in various forms including pellets, shells and powders. It is used in various chemical, industrial and construction applications. Purity of 98% is the highest available for potassium hydroxide.
Potassium hydroxide has destructive effects on skin, paper, silk and other organic matter. It causes severe burns on human skin and is especially dangerous for the eyes. Special goggles and rubber gloves should be worn when working with this. Never put the electrolyte in contact with the skin or eyes, as it is very toxic.