A young guy figured out how to get hydrogen from water

What is an electrolyzer

An electrolyzer is a special installation used to separate its components from a solution or melt.
The main characteristics of the electrolyzer are:

The operating voltage for one electrode ranges from 1.8 to 2.0 V;
Current strength - for the normal course of the electrolysis process, a current with a value of this characteristic from 5 to 10 A is supplied to the electrodes;
Number of electrodes – the minimum number of electrodes is 2, the maximum is limited by the size of the installation itself and its purpose;
Dimensions of electrodes - not carbon rods are used as electrodes, but metal plates, the size of which is determined by the purpose of the installation, the current-voltage characteristic of the current supplied to the plates;
Distance between differently charged electrode surfaces – the minimum distance between electrode plates must be at least 1.5 mm;
Electrode material - in modern electrolysers, stainless steel sheets with the addition of nickel are used as the material for the anode and cathode.

Also another important characteristic of an electrolysis plant is the use of catalysts.

Such settings are used for the following purposes:

Production of detonating gas consisting of a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen (Brown's gas);
Isolation of pure aluminum, magnesium, zinc from molten salts;
Purification of water from dissolved salts and impurities;
Applying a thin corrosion-preventing layer of nickel and zinc to the surface of metal parts;
Disinfection of food products;
Purification of wastewater from heavy metal salts and other harmful substances dissolved in them.

Important! Platinum electrode made from ordinary iron is used in electrolysis installations less often than from stainless steel, since it oxidizes faster and becomes unusable.

Hydrogen generator for car

The electrolysis process in an automobile electrolyzer is carried out using a special catalyst. When the device operates, oxyhydrogen (Brown's gas) is released, which has the formula NHO. Next, the gas enters the combustion chamber through the engine air supply system, where it mixes with fuel and burns. As a result, the octane number of the fuel-air mixture increases, which promotes more complete combustion of fuel.

Design of modern electrolyzers

Brown Gas Generator includes:

the electrolyzer itself;
container for circulation.

The entire gas production process is controlled:

current modulator;
an optimizer that controls the ratio of Brown gas and the fuel-air mixture.

Types of catalysts

There are several types of catalysts, including:

Cylindrical - their design is not much different from the design of the simplest hydrogen generator and it is quite possible to make it yourself. They are characterized by low productivity (up to 0.7 liters of gas per minute) and a primitive control circuit.
With separate cells - the most efficient design with a capacity of over 2 liters of gas per minute. It is characterized by high efficiency and is installed on vehicles with continuous operation.
With open plates (dry) – capacity up to 2.1 liters of gas per minute. The design provides additional cooling of the device in difficult operating conditions.

All processes occurring in the hydrogen generator are carried out automatically and operate in accordance with a special program embedded in the vehicle’s computer control system.

Advantages

The use of modern electrolyzers in a car allows you to:

save up to 50% fuel;
reduce exhaust toxicity;
reduce engine temperature;
increase traction and power of the power unit;
increase engine life.

Operating principle of a hydrogen generator

Brief theoretical part

Hydrogen, also known as hydrogen, the first element of the periodic table, is the lightest gaseous substance with high chemical activity. During oxidation (that is, combustion), it releases a huge amount of heat, forming ordinary water. Let us characterize the properties of the element, formatting them in the form of theses:

The combustion of hydrogen is an environmentally friendly process; no harmful substances are released.
Due to chemical activity, the gas does not occur in free form on Earth. But its reserves in water are inexhaustible.
The element is extracted in industrial production by a chemical method, for example, in the process of gasification (pyrolysis) of coal. Often a by-product.
Another way to produce hydrogen gas is by electrolysis of water in the presence of catalysts - platinum and other expensive alloys.
A simple mixture of hydrogen + oxygen gases explodes from the slightest spark, instantly releasing a large amount of energy.

For reference. Scientists who first separated the water molecule into hydrogen and oxygen called the mixture an explosive gas due to its tendency to explode. Subsequently, it received the name Brown's gas (after the name of the inventor) and began to be designated by the hypothetical formula NHO.

Previously, airship cylinders were filled with hydrogen, which often exploded

From the above, the following conclusion suggests itself: 2 hydrogen atoms easily combine with 1 oxygen atom, but they part very reluctantly. The chemical oxidation reaction proceeds with the direct release of thermal energy in accordance with the formula:

2H2 + O2 → 2H2O + Q (energy)

Here lies an important point that will be useful to us in further debriefing: hydrogen reacts spontaneously from combustion, and heat is released directly. To split a water molecule, energy will have to be expended:

2H2O → 2H2 + O2 – Q

This is the formula for an electrolytic reaction that characterizes the process of splitting water by supplying electricity. How to implement this in practice and make a hydrogen generator with your own hands, we will consider further.

Make an electrolyzer with your own hands

Surely, you are familiar with the process of electrolysis from the elementary school curriculum. This is when 2 polar electrodes under current are placed in water in order to obtain metals or non-metals in their pure form. An electrolyzer is needed to break down water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen. The electrolyzer, being part of scientific mechanisms, divides molecules into ions.

There are two types of this device:

Dry electrolyzer (this is a completely closed cell);
Wet electrolyzer (these are two metal plates placed in a container of water).

This device is simple in terms of design, which makes it possible to use it even at home. Electrolyzers divide the electrolysis charges of atoms of molecules into charged atoms.

In our case, it divides water into positive hydrogen and negative oxygen. To do this, a large amount of energy is required, and to reduce the amount of energy required, a catalyst is used.

Application of electrolyzers

The constant rise in energy prices has made it possible to take a new approach to electrolytic processes. Various types of installations have been developed to obtain:

aluminum;
chlorine;
hydrogen for plasma cutting and welding machines.

The devices also work as part of units that purify and disinfect drinking water and swimming pool water, as an additive to fuel for cars, allowing the full potential of hydrocarbons to be used. Hydrogen burns much earlier than gasoline. Gasoline is no longer ignited by a spark, but by a flame, which increases the force pressing on the piston of the car’s engine.

Some craftsmen use electrolysis of water at home to heat rooms. But here it is worth noting that the cost of the resulting combustible hydrogen is significantly higher in price than the same natural gas. In addition, the combustion temperature of hydrogen is quite high and not every metal can withstand prolonged exposure without destruction. But the use of heat-resistant materials is not economically justified.

Self-production of an electrolyzer

Anyone can make an electrolyzer with their own hands. For the assembly process of the most common design, the following materials will be needed:

stainless steel sheet (the best options are foreign AISI 316L or our 03Х16Н15М3);
bolts M6x150;
washers and nuts;
transparent tube - you can use a spirit level that is used for construction purposes;
several herringbone fittings with an outer diameter of 8 mm;
plastic container with a volume of 1.5 l;
a small filter that filters tap water, for example, a filter for washing machines;
water check valve.

Models of industrial electrolyzers

Carbon anodes (and graphite is an allotope of carbon) have a significant drawback - during the reaction, they emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, thereby polluting it. Currently, inert anode technology is especially relevant; a well-known aluminum manufacturer is currently testing this technology. Its essence is that a non-reactive carbon-free anode is used, and not carbon dioxide, but pure oxygen is released into the atmosphere as a by-product.

This technology significantly increases the environmental friendliness of production, but it is still at the testing stage.

Despite the wide variety of electrolytes, electrodes, and electrolyzers, there are common problems in technical electrolysis. These include the transfer of charges, heat, mass, and the distribution of electric fields. To speed up the transfer process, it is advisable to increase the speed of all flows and use forced convection. Electrode processes can be controlled by measuring limiting currents.

Application of plastic gaskets

The option of manufacturing an electrolyzer with polymer gaskets allows you to use an aluminum container instead of a plastic one.
Thanks to the gaskets, it will be reliably insulated. When cutting out plastic gaskets (4 pieces are needed), you need to give them the shape of rectangles. They are laid in the corners of the base, providing a gap of 2 mm.

Now you can start installing the container. To do this, you will need another sheet in which 4 holes are drilled. Their diameter must correspond to the outer diameter of the M6 thread - these are the screws that will be used to secure the container.

The walls of an aluminum container are stiffer than those of a plastic container, so for more reliable fastening, rubber washers should be placed under the heads of the screws.

The final stage remains - installing the gate and terminals.

Main types of electrolysis plants:

Installations for the production and refining of aluminum;
Electrolysis installations for ferrous production;
Electrolyzers for nickel-cobalt production;
Installations for magnesium electrolysis;

Copper electrolysis (refining) installations;
Installations for applying galvanic coatings;
Electrolysis plants for chlorine production;

Electrolyzers for water disinfection.
Electrolyzers producing hydrogen for nuclear power plants...etc.

Oxygen is a byproduct of many redox reactions.

During electrolysis, the current strength, its frequency and voltage, even polarity are regulated; these parameters control the speed and direction of the processes. The electrolysis reaction is always carried out at constant current, since the constancy of the poles is very important here. In very rare cases, when polarity is not significant, alternating current is used (for example, during electrolysis of gases).

Modern aluminum electrolysers, based on the design of the cathode device, are divided into

Electrolyzers with and without bottom,
With stuffed and block hearth;
according to the current supply method: with one-sided and two-sided busbar circuit;
according to the method of gas capture: open type electrolyzers, with bell gas suction and covered type.

The unsatisfactory properties of all existing designs of aluminum electrolyzers include an insufficiently high energy utilization factor, a short service life and insufficient efficiency of exhaust gas collection. Further improvement of the design of electrolyzers should follow the path of increasing its unit capacity, mechanization and automation of all maintenance operations, complete capture of all waste gases with subsequent regeneration of their valuable components.

Industrial electrolysis plants have many types of design, the main ones being membrane and diaphragm. There are also dry, wet and flow electrolysis plants. In general, the installation is a closed system containing electrodes placed in an electrolyte, to which an electric current with certain characteristics is supplied. Electrolysis cells can be combined into a battery. There are also bipolar electrolyzers - where each electrode, with the exception of the outer ones, works on one side as an anode, on the other side as a cathode.

This equipment operates at different pressures, depending on the type of reaction. To obtain some substances, for example, when obtaining gases, pressure adjustment or special conditions are required. You also need to monitor the pressure of gases that are a byproduct of electrolytic reactions. Electrolysis plants, which are used to produce hydrogen and oxygen at power plants, operate under excess pressure of up to 10 kgf/cm2 (1 MPa). The installations also differ in their productivity.

Some of them use linear electric mechanisms. For example, they are used to move electrodes, regulate electrolyte levels, move reservoirs, electrolyte baths, etc. One example of such a design is shown in the drawing.

All electrolysis installations must be grounded. To operate a large industrial electrolyzer, a rectifier unit or a converter substation is needed to convert alternating current into direct current. Stationary local lighting in electrolysis workshops (buildings, halls) is usually not required. The exception is the main production premises of electrolysis plants for the production of chlorine.

Model with two filters

The electrodes are small square sheets cut from galvanized steel or, better, from stainless steel grade 03Х16Н15М3 (AISI 316L). Ordinary steel will be very quickly “eaten up” by electrochemical corrosion.

Having cut a hole in the wall of the container with a knife, you need to install two coarse filters on it - “mud filters” (the second name is an oblique filter) or filters from washing machines will do.

Next, the container is fixed to a metal base using bolts, after which a check valve is attached to it.

Next, a 2.3 mm thick board and a bubble tube are installed.

The creation of the electrolyzer is completed by installing a nozzle with a shutter located on the board side.

Device with two valves

The manufacturing process of a 2-valve electrolyzer model is not particularly complicated. As in the previous version, assembly should begin by preparing the base. It is made from steel sheets, which need to be cut in accordance with the dimensions of the container.

The board is firmly attached to the base (we use M6 screws), after which you can install a bubbling tube with a diameter of at least 33 mm. Having selected the valve for the device, you can begin installing the valves.

Plastic container

The first one is installed on the base of the pipe, for which it is necessary to secure a fitting in this place. The connection is sealed with a clamping ring, after which another plate is installed - it will be needed to fix the shutter.

The second valve should be mounted on the pipe with a distance of 20 mm from the edge.

Three valve models

This modification differs not only in the number of valves, but also in the fact that the base for it must be especially strong. The same stainless steel is used, but of greater thickness.

The location for installing valve No. 1 must be selected on the inlet pipe (it is connected directly to the container). After this, the top plate and the second bubble-type tube should be secured. Valve No. 2 is installed at the end of this tube.

When installing the second valve, the fitting must be secured with sufficient rigidity. You will also need a clamp ring.

Ready-made hydrogen burner

The next stage is the manufacture and installation of the valve, after which valve No. 3 is screwed to the pipe. It must be connected to the nozzle using studs, while insulation must be ensured using rubber gaskets.

Water in its pure form (distilled) is a dielectric and in order for the electrolyzer to work with sufficient productivity, it must be turned into a solution.

The best performance is demonstrated not by saline, but by alkaline solutions. To prepare them, you can add baking soda or caustic soda to the water. Some household chemicals are also suitable, for example, “Mr. Muscle” or “Mole”.

Model with plexiglass

Assembling an electrolyzer using organic glass blanks cannot be called a simple task - this material is quite difficult to process.
Difficulties may also arise at the stage of finding a container of a suitable size.

One hole is drilled in the corners of the board, after which the installation of the plates begins. The step between them should be 15 mm.

The next step is to install the shutter. As with other modifications, rubber gaskets should be used. You just need to take into account that in this design their thickness should be no more than 2 mm.

Top container device

The electrodes are made from a stainless steel sheet measuring 50x50 cm, which must be cut into 16 equal squares with a grinder. One corner of each plate is trimmed, and in the opposite corner a hole is made for an M6 bolt.

One by one, the electrodes are put on the bolt, and the insulators for them are cut from a rubber or silicone tube. Alternatively, you can use a tube from the water level.

The container is fixed using fittings and only after that the bubble tube and electrodes with terminals are installed.

Bottom container model

In this version, the assembly of the device begins with a stainless base, the dimensions of which must correspond to the dimensions of the container. Next, install the board and tube. Installation of filters is not required in this modification.

Then you need to attach the shutter to the bottom board with 6mm screws.

The nozzle is installed using a fitting. If you nevertheless decide to install filters, then plastic clips with rubber gaskets should be used to secure them.

Finished device

The thickness of the insulators between the electrode plates should be 1 mm. With such a gap, the current strength will be sufficient for high-quality electrolysis, at the same time, gas bubbles can easily break away from the electrodes.

The plates are connected to the poles of the power source alternately, for example, the first plate to the “plus”, the second to the “minus”, etc.

Dry

Such electrolysers consist of plate electrodes separated from each other by sealed rubber gaskets. Often the “cells” of the installation are additionally placed in a sealed housing.

The hydrogen and oxygen produced as a result of electrolysis are discharged through special pipes located at the end of the housing or the outer plates of the installation.

Flow-through

A simplified design of devices of this type can be found in the figure. As you can see, the design includes a bath with electrodes “A”, completely filled with solution and a tank “D”.

Design of a flow electrolyzer

The operating principle of the device is as follows:

at the entrance of the electrochemical process, the gas together with the electrolyte is squeezed into container “D” through pipe “B”;
in tank “D” gas is separated from the electrolyte solution, which is discharged through the outlet valve “C”;
the electrolyte returns to the hydrolysis bath through pipe “E”.

Membrane

The main feature of devices of this type is the use of a solid electrolyte (membrane) on a polymer basis. The design of devices of this type can be seen in the figure.

Membrane type electrolyzer

The main feature of such devices is the dual purpose of the membrane: it not only transfers protons and ions, but also physically separates both the electrodes and the products of the electrochemical process.

Diaphragm

In cases where diffusion of electrolysis products between the electrode chambers is not permissible, a porous diaphragm is used (which gives such devices their name). The material for it can be ceramics, asbestos or glass. In some cases, polymer fibers or glass wool can be used to create such a diaphragm. The figure shows the simplest version of a diaphragm device for electrochemical processes.

Design of a diaphragm electrolyser

Explanation:

Oxygen outlet.
U-shaped flask.
Hydrogen outlet.
Anode.
Cathode.
Diaphragm.

Alkaline

Unlike other models of electrolyzers, these use an alkali solution as an electrolyte - caustic soda (sodium hydroxide), which is not only an additional source of hydrogen and oxygen, but also a catalyst for electrolysis.

Alkaline electrolyzer circuit

Such installations, unlike analogues of other types, allow the use of cheaper electrodes made of ordinary iron.

How to turn water into hydrogen: a simple experiment

DIY Solar Hydrogen/Oxygen Generator – Easy “Electrolysis” Using Sunlight! (converts water into fuel).

Be safe when experimenting with flammable substances!

I'll show you how to make a simple device that converts/splits water into hydrogen and oxygen. It's amazingly simple and works great. (be sure to watch the video as it shows a lot of extra detail - including bubbles just popping out of the pencils). The video shows that the hydrogen generator is powered by a solar panel, a 9V battery, and an AC/DC transformer.

Step 1: Watch the visual video...

Step 2: Hydrogen Generator Mechanism

A simple "electrolysis" experiment shows how to "split water" into oxygen/hydrogen using a solar panel (or battery) and water. Graphite in pencils conducts electricity (from a solar panel or battery). As a result, the water is "split" into oxygen/hydrogen (a process known as electrolysis). This video mainly focuses on using a solar panel, but also shows a 9V battery as a power source, as well as a "multiple voltage" comparison (towards the end of the video) using a regulated DC power supply (set at several intervals - 3V, 4.5V, 6V, 7.5V, 9V and 12V).

See how the volume of the bubbles increases with tension. Please note that this is a normal elementary school science experiment and is completely safe. One can imagine if this small-scale experiment were "expanded" and improved, it could be a good way to store solar/wind energy for later use. very "green" technology overall if the source of electricity is solar or wind (and when hydrogen is used (as fuel, etc.) the only by-product is water).

Step 3: Items Needed...

1.) 2 pencils 2.) glass 3.) small piece of cardboard 4.) pair of wires (I used black/red wires with alligator clips) 5.) small solar panel or 9V battery or AC/DC transformer

Step 4: First, sharpen your pencils...

Sharpen your pencils on both ends. Then make 2 small holes in a piece of cardboard (about 1 inch apart) and push the pencils into the holes (see photo above).

Step 5: Add water to the glass...

Add water to the glass and place the piece (cardboard and pencil) on top of the glass.

Step 6: Now connect the wires...

Now simply connect the wires from the end of the pencils to the power source. Bubbles will begin to form immediately. One interesting thing about this project is that many people will already have everything they need to do this at home. No need to buy anything (except solar panel...but 9v battery works well). Making hydrogen and oxygen at home for free is possible, all with common household items.

Have fun creating and using! Watch the video again to see the bubbles just dripping off the pencils. Strictly follow safety precautions! Source

DIY electrolyzer for a car

On the Internet you can find many diagrams of HHO systems, which, according to the authors, allow you to save from 30% to 50% of fuel. Such statements are too optimistic and, as a rule, are not supported by any evidence. A simplified diagram of such a system is shown in the figure.

Simplified diagram of an electrolyzer for a car

In theory, such a device should reduce fuel consumption due to its complete burnout. To do this, Brown's mixture is supplied to the fuel system air filter. This is hydrogen and oxygen obtained from an electrolyzer powered from the car’s internal network, which increases fuel consumption. Vicious circle.

Of course, a PWM current regulator circuit can be used, a more efficient switching power supply can be used, or other tricks can be used to reduce energy consumption. Sometimes on the Internet you come across offers to purchase a low-ampere power supply for an electrolyzer, which is generally nonsense, since the performance of the process directly depends on the current strength.

This is like the Kuznetsov system, the water activator of which is lost, and the patent is missing, etc. In the above videos, where they talk about the undeniable advantages of such systems, there are practically no reasoned arguments. This does not mean that the idea has no right to exist, but the declared savings are “slightly” exaggerated.

Types of electrolyzers

DIY spot welding for batteries

Depending on the design and operating principle, there are 5 types of electrolysis plants.

Dry

Such electrolysers consist of plate electrodes separated from each other by sealed rubber gaskets. Often the “cells” of the installation are additionally placed in a sealed housing.

The hydrogen and oxygen produced as a result of electrolysis are discharged through special pipes located at the end of the housing or the outer plates of the installation.

Flow-through

Electrolysis plants of this type have the following structure:

An electrolysis bath (housing) with two pipes, through one of which electrolyte is supplied into it, through the second, the detonating gas formed as a result of electrolysis is removed;
Plate electrodes separated by spacers;
A tank with electrolyte located above the housing with electrodes and connected by hoses to the branch pipes of the electrolysis bath of the installation and having a branch pipe with a gas valve in the upper part.

When such a device operates, the released gas enters the electrolyte tank through the pipe and hose and, creating a certain pressure in it, exits the installation through the valve on the outlet pipe.

Membrane

The electrolysis cells of such installations consist of two electrodes separated from each other by a thin membrane that allows the products of electrolysis to pass through and separates the electrodes from each other.

Membrane electrolysis plant

Diaphragm

Electrolysis installations of this type consist of a “U” shaped flask with two electrodes inserted into it and 2-3 impenetrable diaphragms. Similar electrolyzers are used to separately produce pure hydrogen and oxygen.

Alkaline

Alkaline electrolyzer circuit

Such installations, unlike analogues of other types, allow the use of cheaper electrodes made of ordinary iron.