Production of Alkaline and Acidic Water by Electrolysis Solar Energy Source

Abstract

Background: Alkaline and acidic water can be produced through the electrolysis process. There are two types of electrolysis equipment, namely batch type and continuous type, that can produce it. Continuous type tools are fast but expensive. Batch type tools are cheaper, but the process is slow. Both types of equipment require large amounts of energy and are expensive to operate. Another problem is that the content of the ions that form alkaline and acidic water is not yet known. Objective:The Objective is to determine the changes in ions that occur on the anode and cathode sides, to investigate the types of ions that most influence the formation of alkaline and acidic water, and to create a piper diagram. The aim of this research is to create a device that can produce alkaline and acidic water at a price that is affordable for the wider community. Method: This equipment is made from a portable plastic teapot as the cathode side and a small bottle as the anode side. The anode and cathode sides are separated by a cellulose cotton membrane, with carbon and stainless steel (SS) electrodes. The electric voltage taken from a solar cell module is 12 V;50 Wp. The output voltage of electrolysis was converted to 45 VDC in one hour. Electrolyzed water with an initial pH of 6.71 was taken from the Regional Drinking Water Company (PDAM) of Bandung City, Indonesia. Testing for the content of ions in water using American Public Health Association (APHA) standards was carried out in the laboratory of the ITB-Bandung Environmental Engineering department. Results and Conclusions: Based on the test on the sample, it was determined that the formation of alkaline water at the cathode side with pH 8.32 is caused by the ions Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+, and K+, with a concentration of 0.387; 0.369; 0.302; and 0.284 mmol/L, respectively. Some of the Mg2+ ions were precipitated. The formation of acidic water at the anode side with pH 2.34 was caused by the anions Cl-, NO3- , SO42-, and CO32-/HCO3 with a concentration of 1,757; 0.052; 0.147, and 3.153 mmol/L, respectively. Furthermore, it is concluded that the electrolysis device is designed for the production of alkaline and acid water at a capacity of 1400 mL in 60 minutes, with an average energy of 0.002 kWh and a cost of unit production of around Rp. 2.8. Research Implications: Useful for the development of education, teaching, and further research, especially in electrochemical major, as well as community service in making alkaline and acidic water for health. Originality/Value: Practical, simple, cheap way to make alkaline and acid water, qualitative and quantitative analysis, ion composition before and after electrolysis reaction, use of solar energy for electrolysis, changes in piper diagram before and after electrolysis.