Hydrogen is a lot of fun to play with, but most efficient generators are big. I wanted to make something that was small and could produce hydrogen. This tutorial will show you how to make a pocket sized hydrogen/oxygen generator. Sadly, it's not that efficient but it the best I could make that was compact.

Supplies

2 9v batteries

2 9v battery clips

thick pencil lead

2 alligator clips

4 plastic test tubes with caps

drill

drill bit the same diameter as the lead

hot glue

5 inch long 18 awg wire

Step 1: Prepare the Wires

To start off, hot glue the ends off the batteries together. Twist both the battery clips together, and add the alligator clips. Strip about 1 inch off each end of the 18 awg wire.

Step 2: Drilling

In the bottom of two of the test tubes, drill a hole the same diameter as the wire. In two of the caps, drill a hole the same diameter as the graphite rods.

Step 3: Hot Glue Time!

Put one end of the 18 awg wire in the hole at the bottom of one of the test tubes, and hot glue around it to form a watertight seal. Do the same for the other side of the wire. Stick the graphite rods through the pest tube caps, leaving about 1 centimeter above the top. Fill it in with hot glue.

Step 4: Test!

Fill the tubes with salt water clip the alligator clips on, and test! You should see tiny bubbles forming on the graphite rods.

Step 5: Usage

Take a small bowl of water and add some salt. This will make it so electricity can flow through easily. Fill the other 2 test tubes with the salt water, making sure there are no air bubbles. Put 2 of the test tubes on one side of the battery and 2 on the other. Wrap a rubber band around it, and tuck the clips into it.

To use it, fill the test tubes that have wire in them with salt water, and put the graphite caps on top. Plut the battery and clip the clips on. Congratulations! You're done!