How to Build a Mineral Water Hydrogen Generator

Water contains hydrogen and oxygen and can be broken down to release both gasses.

Pure water consists of atoms of oxygen and hydrogen bonded to each other, with each oxygen atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms. The bonds can be broken down by passing an electric current through liquid water, splitting it back into its gaseous components.



Building a small mineral water hydrogen generator requires basic electronic skills and a few easily sourced items readily found at home and in hardware stores.

Things You'll Need

• Bottle of mineral water
• Large cooking bowl
• 9 to 12-volt battery
• Connectors to attach wires to the battery
• 2 wires, each approximately 2 to 3 feet long
• 2 test tubes or heavy glass jars
• Strong sticking tape

Instructions

1. Pour all the mineral water into the cooking bowl.

2. Strip the insulation from both wires, exposing about an inch of bare metal at each end. Attach both wires, using sticking tape, to the edge of the cooking bowl with the bare ends under the water at the bottom of the bowl.

3. Bend the ends of the wires to point upwards. Dip the test tubes or small jars into the bowl to fill them with water, and position them upside down over the ends of the wires. Make sure they are devoid of air and resting upright.

4. Attach the wires to the battery, using battery terminal connectors if necessary. Ensure the ends do not come into contact with each other.

5. Observe the wires in the water bowl. Bubbles will appear on the surface of the wires and will become trapped at the top of the jars. Oxygen will be produced at the positive wire, or anode. Hydrogen will be collected at the negative wire, or cathode.

Tips & Warnings

• To collect more hydrogen, use a plastic drink bottle instead of a jar .

• Attach graphite rods to the ends of the wires in the water to increase their surface area and produce more bubbles of gas.

• Add a little salt or vinegar to the water to speed up the process by increasing the flow of electricity through the water.

• Do not use voltages higher than 12-volts or a voltage supply provided by a mains powered transformer. A short circuit involving high voltages and water can be fatal.

• Hydrogen is highly explosive; produce only small amounts and keep well away from uncontrolled sources of ignition.

References

• California Energy Commission: Splitting Water
• Sweet Briar College: The Chemistry of Water
• Georga State University HyperPhysics: Electrolysis of Water
• MiniScience: Electrolysis of Water
• National Chemistry Week: Electrolysis of Water
• LennTech Water Treatment Solutions: Hydrogen