The degradation of potassium hydroxide (KOH) in an alkaline electrolyzer can be caused by a number of factors, including:

 The degradation of potassium hydroxide (KOH) in an alkaline electrolyzer can be caused by a number of factors, including:

High pH: The high pH environment of an alkaline electrolyzer can cause carbon fibers in the carbon paper to degrade over time. This can negatively impact the electrolyzer's performance and durability. 

Temperature: Temperatures above 80 °C can cause high degradation rates. 

Electrode material: The dissolution of electrode material in alkaline electrolytes can reduce cyclic life and capacitance. 

Irreversible formation of oxide and hydroxide: This can cause activity degradation. 

 Temperature

Temperatures above 80°C can cause high degradation rates. To prevent this, a cooling system can be used. 

Electrode degradation

Operating at low temperatures can help reduce electrode degradation, but it requires very active electrocatalysts to achieve sufficient efficiency. 

Diaphragm failure

At temperatures above 85°C, the silica component of chrysotile (asbestos) dissolves, forming soluble potassium silicates and poorly soluble brucite. This can lead to diaphragm failure. 

Alkaline electrolyzers are made up of electrodes, a microporous separator, and an alkaline electrolyte. The electrolyte is usually a 25–30% KOH solution. During electrolysis, water is introduced to the cathode, where it breaks down into hydrogen and hydroxide anions. The hydroxide anions then pass through the diaphragm and recombine at the anode to form oxygen.