Your explanation of the suitability of either Sodium or Potassium Hydroxide and their relative efficiencies is exceptionally good.
You are to be commended for calling the electrolyte solution precisely what it is. Here in America, among the new experimenters with HydrOxy generation by electrolysis, it has become commonplace to refer to the Hydroxides as "catalysts."
Apparently this stems from the advertisements for Sodium Hydroxide and Potassium Hydroxide by those who sell in bulk for BioDiesel use. In the process of converting fatty acids (vegetable or animal fats) to either the Methyl or Ethyl Ester the Hydroxides do function as a catalyst. Therefore the Hydroxides are marketed as "Catalysts" for that application.
Many of the new experimenters have no background in Chemistry and are becoming confused by the ads, and the terminology used by others who are new in the many forums, in referring to the electrolyte as a catalyst.
It may seem a small thing, but I for one truly appreciate when one has the knowledge to know the difference. Well done!Statistics: Posted by SeaMonkey — Mon May 26, 2008 8:19 pm
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