How to make hydrogen from alkali?

Question

Is there any possibility of making hydrogen from alkali instead of in acid? Is it using ionic metal?

Answer 1

Aluminium metal can react with concentrated sodium hydroxide solution (usually 4-6M, concentrated potassium hydroxide solution may be used instead) to give hydrogen gas aluminate ion.
2Al(s) + 2NaOH(aq) + 6H2O(l) → 2Na[Al(OH)4] + 3H2(g)
or 2Al(s) + 2OH-(aq) + 6H2O(l) → 2[Al(OH)4]-(aq) + 3H2(g)

In the experiment of anodizing aluminium, concentrated sodium hydroxide solution (usually 4-6M) is used to remove the original aluminium oxide layer on the aluminium plate. When the aluminium plate is immersed in the sodium hydroxide solution for some time, bubbles are formed. This is because the above reaction occurs which gives off hydrogen gas.

Answer 2

I think that electrolyzed alkali is more possible

Both cathode or anode is carbon electrode
In cathode, sodium ion charged.
2H+(aq) + 2e → H2(g)

In anode, hydroxide ion charged.
2OH-(aq) → H2O(l) + 1/2 O2(g) + 2e

Then we can form hydrogen.



alkali + metal ion → metal precipitate
Therefore I don't think we can form hydrogen through using metal ion.



Hope I can help u and I am right.