Electrolysis

Transforming water into energy

Electrolysis is a key process in the energy industry, as it allows us to obtain hydrogen from water.

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What is electrolysis?

Electrolysis is a chemical reaction that uses electricity to separate the elements of a substance. This process can be applied to different compounds, such as molten salts or aqueous solutions, and its aim is to decompose the molecules into their basic components. In the energy industry, one of the most common applications is the electrolysis of water, which separates the molecules of water (H₂O) into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂) by using electricity.

The importance of this technique lies in its capacity to produce hydrogen, an energy resource that can be used as a fuel in sectors such as transportation, electricity production, and in other industrial processes.

How does the electrolysis of water work?

The electrolysis of water is one of the specific applications of electrolysis and consists of dividing water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. This process is carried out in a device called an electrolyzer, which contains two electrodes, the anode and the cathode, submerged in water. By applying an electric current, a reaction is activated that separates the elements of the water into two gases.

  1. Application of electric current
    The current is applied through the electrolyzer, activating the separation process.
  2. Chemical reaction
    The current causes the molecules of water (H₂O) to decompose into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂). The hydrogen is generated in the cathode and the oxygen in the anode.

The hydrogen produced can be stored and transported to be used as a fuel in different sectors. With regards to the oxygen, depending on the needs, it can be released to the air or used in specific processes within the energy sector.

What is electrolysis for?

Electrolysis has multiple applications in the industry and one of the most noteworthy is its capacity to produce hydrogen. The hydrogen generated through electrolysis can be used as a fuel, offering an alternative in sectors such as transportation and the generation of electricity. Its use contributes to reducing CO2 emissions, although the level of reduction depends on the sector and technology applied.

An additional advantage is its storage capacity. It can be accumulated in pressurized tanks or through other advanced methods, which enables its use when other energy sources aren't available. This capacity provides flexibility in the energy supply and contributes to the stability in networks that depend on renewable energies.