Question

Describe the bulk preparation of dihydrogen by electrolytic method. What is the role of an electrolyte in this process ?

Answer 1

To prepare dihydrogen, electrolysis of acidified or alkaline water using platinum electrodes is carried oiut. At cathode, water is reduced and at anode, hydroxide ions are oxidized.
$2H^{+}+2e^{-}\to H_2\left(g\right)\uparrow$
$4O{H}^{-}-4e^{-}\to 2H_{2}O\left(l\right)+O_2\left(g\right)\uparrow$
Electrolytes such as acids or bases increase the electrical conductivity of water and the rate of electrolysis.