0
$\begingroup$

I am interested in the $\ce{KOH}$ vapor that is released with my gasses during electrolysis.

I have two questions.

What would be the best place to start research on the $\ce{KOH}$ vapor produced in electrolysis and how to separate the $\ce{KOH}$ vapor formed.

I was thinking about filters, or bubblers that require constant water replacement. For me, a bubbler is a jar with a gas inlet at the bottom and gas collection at the top.

Also I have no clue on what type of filter to use since I don't know where to start research on $\ce{KOH}$ vapor.

My goal is to make the gases safer by eliminating most of the $\ce{KOH}$ vapor. I will probably use a pH testing paper to test the air to see if $\ce{KOH}$ vapor is present.

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
8
  • $\begingroup$ What type of electrolysis are you talking about? Aqueous KOH or molten KOH? If you talking about aqueous, then KOH vapor can be called nonexistent, on the other hand molten KOH well that is another story. $\endgroup$
    – Andrew Kovács
    Jul 30 '20 at 10:50
  • $\begingroup$ aqueous KOH, I am not even heating up the electrolysis. Thank you for the info I could not find it anywhere. I will still use 2 bubblers and replace water frequently. As well as testing the air for KOH with ph paper. $\endgroup$
    – brian deganhart
    Jul 30 '20 at 17:05
  • $\begingroup$ To be precise, i have no proof of what i said, but is an intuition from my experience and sense. It could be possible for KOH vapors to escape, but based on its hygroscopic nature it is neglectable. It also could be predicted that if a little KOH vapor would escape it would react with atmospheric CO2 to produce K2CO3 and water, decreasing its basicity in orders of magnitude rendering it more safe. $\endgroup$
    – Andrew Kovács
    Jul 30 '20 at 17:43
  • $\begingroup$ There are plenty of examples on youtube about hydrogen and oxygen (HHO) production from electrolysis. Mostly they use baking soda, NaOH rarely KOH for the electrolyte. In every video there are instruction that you have to attach a water bubbler to secure burnback. The water bubbler may probably filter the NaOH and KOH vapors if there any measurable quantity at all present. $\endgroup$
    – Andrew Kovács
    Jul 30 '20 at 17:48
  • $\begingroup$ I very much so appreciate the help. Your expertise is much better than my small chemistry knowledge. My design is all about safety and i though koh being a better electrolyte would allow for less to be used. there for less to be cleaned up in a spill and less danger overall. Should I be worried that Everyone else is using NaOH or did I just choose a strange electrolyte. If this is too much to ask you have been an amazing help and thank you very much. I was very worried about koh mist. I will still proceed with caution. $\endgroup$
    – brian deganhart
    Aug 1 '20 at 8:36

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.