Manufacture of Batteries and Fuel Cells

An aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide is used as the electrolyte in various types of batteries, including alkaline, nickel-cadmium, and manganese dioxide-zinc batteries. It is also an electrolyte in certain types of fuel cells. Potassium hydroxide solutions are better conductors of electricity than sodium hydroxide solutions and are therefore preferred over the latter.

Miscellaneous Uses

Potassium hydroxide is a catalyst in the process of manufacturing biodiesel from oils and fats. In the manufacture of paper, it helps separate lignin from cellulose fibers. It is an etchant in the wet processing of semiconductors and a bleaching agent for textiles. It can be used for the absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur trioxide (SO3), and nitrogen trioxide (NO3) in gas streams. It is also used for unclogging drains, removing hair from animal hides, and dissolving animal carcasses. In the food industry, it may be used in the processing of chocolate and cocoa, the production of caramel color, and the washing and chemical peeling of fruits and vegetables.

Product Specification

Specifications:	Results
Purity as KOH (%)	49.6
Chlorides as KCL (PPM)	135
Iron as Fe	5.5