How to Make Hydrogen From Lye

Hydrogen is an element commonly known as part of the make-up of water, as in H2O. Hydrogen by itself in a gas form is a highly flammable and light material. The gas will cause a balloon to float because it is lighter than the elements in the air. It is possible to make hydrogen from lye. Lye is a material often found in drain cleaners.

Things You'll Need

• Glass bottle
• Gloves
• Face shield
• Water
• Lye
• Aluminum foil
• Balloon

Instructions

1. Put on gloves and a face shield. Always wear safety gear and gloves to prevent accidents or injuries. Wear a shirt with long sleeves.

2. Create a workspace with the materials in a well-ventilated area. Avoid breathing in the lye by ensuring the location has plenty of ventilation. Ideal locations are outside, where any fumes will disperse quickly.

3. Pour 8 oz. of water into a glass bottle. Add 10 grams, or 0.35 ounces, of foil to the bottle. Add 9 grams, or 0.32 ounces, of lye to the bottle. Immediately after adding lye, place the balloon over the bottle top to catch the hydrogen.

4. Watch the balloon fill up with hydrogen. The balloon will start to inflate and lift away from the bottle. When it stops inflating, remove the balloon and tie it off. The hydrogen is trapped inside.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid breathing in lye. It is not safe to breathe.

• Take care when handling hydrogen. Hydrogen is highly flammable.

References

• Metric Conversion: Grams to Ounces
• Lighter than Air: Making a Balloon Go Up