Making NaOH by electrolyzing an NaCl solution at home

NaOH ( Sodium hydroxide / Caustic soda) is an alkali solution which is made up of  Na+ and OH- ions. NaOH ( Sodium hydroxide ) or caustic soda is  an alkali solution, made up of Na+ and OH- ions. NaOH is industrially produced by electrolyzing NaCl solution ( Brine ). As by products Chlorine gas and Hydrogen gas are produced. Solid sodium hydroxide is obtained by evaporation of that solution. It is mostly sold as, prills, flakes  and cast blocks.

Theory

The electrons removal or addition, needed for the chemical reaction ( Interchange of atoms ) is done by a voltage applied by an external circuit.

The equation is given below.

2NaCl + 2 H2O → 2 NaOH + H2 + Cl2

Electrolyzing an NaCl solution at home

At home, you can easily use the method of electrolysis to make NaOH.
For electrodes pencils are used. And the container is separated into two chambers using a paper layer, in order to prevent the reaction between Chlorine and Hydrogen, which were by products of the reaction.







The following video shows how it's done.