Preparation of Hydrogen: Class 9 ICSE Chemistry

Hydrogen Class 9 ICSE: Preparation of Hydrogen

Hydrogen (H₂), the element with the chemical symbol H, holds a unique position in chemistry due to its abundance, versatile properties, and potential as a clean-burning fuel. In this article, we'll delve into the preparation methods of hydrogen, focusing on the subtopics mentioned in the Class 9 ICSE curriculum.

Preparation of Hydrogen

Hydrogen can be produced from various sources, including coal and water, as described below:

1. From Coal and Water (Water Gas Shift Reaction)

Hydrogen can be obtained from the water gas shift (WGS) reaction, which occurs when steam reacts with carbon monoxide (CO) to produce carbon dioxide (CO₂) and hydrogen. This method is widely used in the industry for producing hydrogen as a byproduct:

CO + H₂O → CO₂ + H₂ (1)

2. From Water Electrolysis

Electrolysis of water (H₂O) using an electric current can produce hydrogen and oxygen as products. This method is highly efficient and eco-friendly, as hydrogen production leaves no greenhouse gas emissions. However, the process requires a large amount of electricity:

2 H₂O → 2 H₂ + O₂ (2)

3. From Biomass

Hydrogen can also be produced from the decomposition of organic matter (biomass) using processes like gasification and pyrolysis. While these methods are more environmentally friendly than coal-based production, they are still in the experimental phase:

CₙH₁ₐOₙ (biomass) → nCO + (n + a)H₂ (3)

4. From Water-splitting Reactions

Water can be split into hydrogen and oxygen using photocatalytic reactions driven by solar energy or other energy sources. This method is still under development and has the potential to be a sustainable method for producing hydrogen:

2H₂O → 2H₂ + O₂ (4)

Applications of Hydrogen

Hydrogen has numerous applications due to its non-toxic nature, low emissions, and capability to be stored and transported easily:

• Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs)
• Combustion engines
• Hydrogenation processes
• Production of ammonia (NH₃)
• Synthesis of methanol (CH₃OH) and other chemical compounds
• Electrolysis to store energy
• High-temperature cutting and welding (oxy-hydrogen flame)

Hydrogen Gas Properties

Hydrogen gas (H₂) exhibits some intriguing properties:

• It is odorless and colorless
• Its density is the lowest of all gases
• It has a boiling point of -252.9 °C and a melting point of -259.2 °C
• It has a molecular weight and molar mass of 1.00794 atomic mass units (u)

Summary

In this article, we've discussed the preparation of hydrogen using various methods, focusing on the subtopics related to Class 9 ICSE chemistry. Hydrogen has a wide range of applications due to its non-toxic nature and versatile properties. As a clean energy source, hydrogen has the potential to revolutionize the field of energy and transportation. However, there are still numerous challenges to overcome before hydrogen becomes a widely adopted energy source.