Thursday, August 18, 2011

What is the best cathode/anode when doing an experiment on the electrolysis of water?

In my opinion, the best electrodes to use for both the anode and cathode when doing an experiment on the electrolysis of water would be non-reactive ones such as platinum or graphite, and perhaps stainless steel. From experience, I know that using copper electrodes only produces hydrogen, because copper tends to oxidize before water does. I also prefer using epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) to sulfuric acid, since the latter is corrosive to the skin. If price does not matter, you may like to experiment with more than one type to see which does the job best.

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