Analyzing Hydrogen Gas Production from Seawater Using the Electrolysis Method with the Addition of Acetic Acid and Sulfuric Acid Catalysts

¹ Doctoral Program of Environmental Science, School of Postgraduate Studies, Diponegoro University, Jl. Imam Bardjo SH, Pleburan, Semarang, Central Java 50241, Indonesia.
² Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Diponegoro University, Jl. Prof. Soedarto, SH, Tembalang, Semarang, Central Java 50275, Indonesia.
³ Department of Physics, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Diponegoro University, Jl. Prof. Soedarto, SH, Tembalang, Semarang, Central Java 50275, Indonesia.
⁴ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, Jl. Prof. Dr. Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, Depok, West Java 16424, Indonesia.

^* Corresponding author: hadiyanto@live.undip.ac.id

Abstract

Based on proven reserves, Indonesia's natural gas is roughly 34 years old. Consequently, it is necessary to develop new renewable gas-based energy. This study offers an alternative, sustainable energy option in the form of the creation of hydrogen gas. Electrolysis of saltwater results in the creation of hydrogen gas. In this research, the constant variables are the raw materials, the electrolysis period of 5 minutes, and the voltage of 6 volts. 2000 ml seawater electrolysis, variation of addition of acetic acid catalyst, and variation of addition of sulfuric acid catalyst are not fixed variables in this study. The electrolysis of 0.8 L seawater and 1.2 L sulfuric acid yielded the best mass, volume, and concentration of hydrogen gas: 1.37 x 10-3 g, 1.37 x 10-2 L, and 4500 ppm. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis revealed that the salt's particle size was 25 µm. The Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) examination revealed that Magnesium Oxide (MgO) comprised 35.76 wt% of the biggest salt composition. Periodically, electrodes must be changed because they get oxidized.