Introduction: Solar Hydrogen/Oxygen Generator DIY - Simple "Electrolysis" Using Sunlight! (turns Water Into Fuel)

By desertsun02 on youtube
About: hi there. on this instructable channel i'll be covering all types of DIY solar power projects (as well as off-grid/survival/green living projects) that are easy to make out of readily available products and ma…

in this instructable i'll show you how to make a simple device that converts/splits water into hydrogen and oxygen. it's amazing simple and works great. (be sure to watch video, as it shows lots of extra detail - including the bubbles just flying off of the pencils). video shows it being powered by solar panel, 9v battery and a ac/dc transformer.

Step 1: Watch the Instructable Video...

Step 2: Read Description...

A Simple "Electrolysis" Experiment shows how to "Split Water" into Oxygen/Hydrogen with a Solar Panel (or battery) and water. very easy to do. The graphite in the pencils conduct electricity (from solar panel or battery) and send a small amount of it into the water. The result being that 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 (near the end of the video) using a Regulated DC Power Supply (set at multiple intervals - 3v, 4.5v, 6v, 7.5v, 9v, and 12v). watch how the volume of bubbles increases with voltage. note that this is a common grade school science experiment and is totally safe. one can imagine if this small-scale experiment was "up-scaled" and perfected it could be a good way to store solar/wind power for later use. a very "green" technology overall if the electrical source is solar or wind (and when the hydrogen is used (as fuel etc.) the only by-product is water)

Step 3: Items Needed...

1.) 2 pencils

2.) a drinking glass (the clearer the better)

3.) small piece of cardboard

4.) couple 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 the Pencils...

sharpen the pencils at both ends. then make 2 small holes in the piece of cardboard (about 1 inch apart) and push the pencils into the holes (see pics above)

Step 5: Add Water to Glass...

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

Step 6: Now Connect Wires...

now just connect the wires from the end of the pencils to the power source. the bubbles will start to form immediately. one cool thing about this project is many people will already have everything they need to make it at home. no need to buy anything (with exception of the solar panel... but 9v battery works well). *make hydrogen and oxygen at home for free... and all with common household items.

Step 7: Here's a Few Extra Pics...

have fun building and using it! again, check out the video to see the bubbles just pouring off the pencils. the still pictures don't capture it nearly as well