Experimental study on water electrolysis using cellulose nanofluid

Abstract

Hydrogen energy is considered to be a future energy source due to its higher energy density as compared to renewable energy and ease of storage and transport. Water electrolysis is one of the most basic methods for producing hydrogen. KOH and NaOH, which are currently used as electrolytes for water electrolysis, have strong alkalinity. So, it cause metal corrosion and can be serious damage when it is exposed to human body. Hence, experiments using cellulose nanofluid (CNF, C6H10O5) as an electrolyte were carried out to overcome the disadvantages of existing electrolytes and increase the efficiency of hydrogen production. The variables of the experiment were CNF concentration, anode material, voltage applied to the electrode, and initial temperature of the electrolyte. The conditions showing the optimal hydrogen production efficiency (99.4%) within the set variables range were found. CNF, which is not corrosive and has high safety, can be used for electrolysis for a long period of time because it does not coagulate and settle over a long period of time unlike other inorganic nanofluids. In addition, it shows high hydrogen production efficiency. So, it is expected to be used as a next-generation water electrolysis electrolyte.