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Different Operational Modes for Electrolyzers
“Anode-fed” electrolysis mode
“Anode-fed” electrolysis mode
Before attaching the power supply to the electrolysis cell, it is advised to follow the following
steps:
1. Obtain a pure de-ionized water (or distilled water) in sufficient quantities. 500 mL to 1000 mL
of volume of water can be used for multiple hours.
2. Transfer a sufficient amount of water in to the water storage tank that you will be using for the
electrolysis experiment.
3. Use a soft tubing (such as silicone tubing) of the appropriate diameter to make a connection
between the water storage tank and the inlet of the anode side of the electrolyzer cell.
4. Attach another piece of soft tubing to the outlet of the anode side of the electrolyzer and place
the end of this tube into the water storage tank. (During the electrolysis reaction, only a small
quantity of liquid water is used and unconsumed water should be recycled back into the storage
tank for further use and reduce waste).
5. Attach soft tubing to inlet and outlet ports of the cathode side (one piece of tubing for each
port) where hydrogen generation will occur and place the ends of these tubes into another empty
storage vessel. During the electrolysis reaction, some of the water will be carried over to the
cathode side and if desired, this water can also be recycled. CAUTION: Do not place the cathode
CAUTION: Do not place the cathode
side tubings’ end to the storage that has anode side tubings. Hydrogen and oxygen mixtures can
side tubings’ end to the storage that has anode side tubings. Hydrogen and oxygen mixtures can
easily create a gas mixture with explosive nature and cause serious injuries.
easily create a gas mixture with explosive nature and cause serious injuries.
6. Place the anode side and cathode side storages away from each other in order to prevent
formation of explosive gas mixtures. Ensure the area is well ventilated.
7. Do not restrict the liquid or gas flows through the tubings. Do not restrict the inlet and outlet
ports located at the anode and cathode sides. Pressurization inside the electrolysis cell can
cause leakages and possibly damaging the membrane and hence, the hardware.
8. Temperature of the de-ionized water can be in the range of 5° to 60° Celsius. Use caution
with warmed or hot water and use proper personal protective equipments (PPEs, safety glasses
or safety googles, gloves, heat resistant gloves, lab coat, etc.) for the safe operation of the
hardware and safety of the user.
