Hydrogen through Electrolysis: A Case for Alternative Fuels

Overview

Objectives/Goals The objective was to find the most effective way to produce hydrogen using electrolysis. Methods/Materials Three electric cells were constructed using 1000 ml glass vessels, with lids modified to accommodate the insertion of two test tubes with copper, steel, and aluminum electrodes. Each was connected to a 6 volt battery. Each cell was tested using a diluted solution of alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and hydrochloric acid, and water, as electolytes. Gas collection was measured over a two hour time period. Results Of the variables that I used as electolytes, the hydrochloric acid clearly generated the most hydrogen in the shortest time period. The aluminum electrode produced the least amount of corrosion, while the steel produced the most. Conclusions/Discussion Different combinations of electrodes and electrolytes produced a variety of results, including the efficient production of hydrogen using hydrochloric acid in contrast to the slower, but steady, production using water. This suggests that this technique could be used to produce hydrogen as an alternative to carbon-based fuels that result in the production of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, which are considered pollutants.

Competition history

• CSEF 2002 Chemistry · Entry J0506

Resources

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