Watch more Science Basics videos: http://www.howcast.com/videos/329142-How-to-Build-a-Hydrogen-Fuel-Cell
Generating pollution-free electricity, the hydrogen fuel cell is a promising renewable energy technology. Watch it in action with this simple home-science project.
Step 1: Make electrodes
Cut the wire into two 6-inch pieces. Wind each piece tightly around a nail to form coils that will serve as electrodes. Leave a 1-inch piece uncoiled at the end and remove your coils from the nail.
Step 2: Prepare the battery
Cut the wire on the leads of the battery clip in half and cut away the insulation from the ends of the wires. Twist the stripped ends together with the uncoiled ends of your coiled electrodes.
Step 3: Fasten electrodes
Tape both electrodes next to one another in the middle of the popsicle stick. Put the tape on the twisted leads where they meet the coil.
Step 4: Attach to glass
Balance the Popsicle stick on the rim of the glass of water and tape the ends of the stick to the rim of the glass. Make sure only the coiled electrodes hang into the water, not the twisted leads.
Step 5: Connect volt meter
Connect the red wire to the positive terminal of the volt meter and the black wire to the negative terminal. The meter should read zero.
Tip
A small amount of voltage, such as .01, may read on the meter.
Step 6: Operate fuel cell
Touch the 9-volt battery to the battery clip for a second or two. This causes the water at the electrodes to split into hydrogen and oxygen — known as electrolysis — and bubbles will form.
Step 7: Remove battery
Remove the battery. The platinum allows the hydrogen and oxygen to recombine to make water and produce electricity, which can be seen on the volt meter. You can even use it to power small electrical devices.
Did You Know?
The only byproduct or exhaust from hydrogen fuel cells is water and water vapor.
Video Rating: / 5
I am sure that you will find good way to make it on Inplix Webpage.
The best and simple…hydrogen fuel cell ever….Thanks….U all are awesome
will there be explosion when the hydrogen gets released in the atmosphere ?cause the video doesnt show one
Where did you buy your Platinum wire? How thin is it? 0.2mm in diameter?
you can use nickel wire instead as its cheaper and has the properties of platinum you neef
so I was wondering, how can we use that electricity?
So in simple word…water can be use as rechargeble battery?
that what in my mind after see this. is it true?
its green, cause 9v batteries don't cause pollution
How is it possible that the cell works while the hydrogen and oxigen isn't seperated. I always thought that by seperating the two gases, with for example a membrane (or in this case maybe water), you could create a current.
Also I don't get how the hydrogen gas stays where it is made, or within a short distance of the platinum electrodes. It looks like it is just flying away (the bubbles are going up…).
Must it be platinum
Everyone have a platinum wire ..
why arnt we funding dis
Do you know where i can get platinum wire?
can i attach the battery through wires instead of a clip
Does this have any chance of exploding
amazing
how do you then take the electricity and use it?
do it have to be a expensive materials as platinum i am not sure i can find these wire where i live 8-o.
You can, anwesh
Can anyone tell me if i can use any wire other than platinum wire ( Or platinum coated Nickel wire) ?