Electrolysis of Water to Create NaOH

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the electrolysis of water and its relationship with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), particularly focusing on whether NaOH itself undergoes electrolysis during the process. Participants explore the implications of using NaOH as an electrolyte and the challenges faced in practical applications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how to determine if NaOH is being electrolyzed during the electrolysis of water.
  • Another participant inquires about the products of electrolysis when NaOH is present.
  • Some participants mention sodium chlorate as a potential product of the electrolysis process, though this is met with a request for clarification.
  • A participant shares their personal experience with contamination issues due to collapsing carbon electrodes and expresses the need for a reliable power supply and a cell membrane.
  • There is a warning about the dangers of attempting to obtain pure sodium through electrolysis at home, emphasizing the need for experience and safety precautions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the electrolysis of NaOH and its products, with no consensus reached on the specifics of the process or the feasibility of obtaining pure sodium through home electrolysis.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of clarity on the conditions under which NaOH may or may not electrolyze, as well as the unresolved technical challenges related to electrode materials and safety in home experiments.

max6333
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So, when water is electrolysed NaOH is created,but since NaOH is an electrolyte itself how de we know that the NaOH doesn't start electrolysing too?
 
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What are the products of electrolysis of NaOH?
 
Sodium chlorate and some other stuff
 
max6333 said:
Sodium chlorate and some other stuff
Try again. You want to know how to tell whether or not NaOH is being electrolyzed, remember.
 
I thought somebody had experience and could tell me this from experience, I tried making it a lot of time and it allways gets contaminated from the collapsing of my carbon electrodes. So before i find out if will stop when its done (so i know when its done) I won't go and find a power supply that doesn't collapse my electrodes,also i need to make a cell membrane
 
already did,I'm just going to use it for getting a small amount of pure sodium
 
max6333 said:
already did,I'm just going to use it for getting a small amount of pure sodium

Which is exactly the reason why I have to lock the thread.

You won't easily get pure Na by electrolysis at home. This process requires high temperature and is quite dangerous. It is obvious you are not experienced enough to even try.
 

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