Electrolysis of Water in School Experiments – Simple and Safe Model Experiment for Hydrogen Production Using Everyday Materials for Teaching Purposes

Dominique Rosenberg^1, , Tom Severin Gabriel¹, Maike Busker² and Sven Gehbardt²

¹Chemistry, University Rostock, Rostock, Germany

²Chemistry, Europe University Flensburg, Flensburg, Germany

Cite this paper:
Dominique Rosenberg, Tom Severin Gabriel, Maike Busker and Sven Gehbardt. Electrolysis of Water in School Experiments – Simple and Safe Model Experiment for Hydrogen Production Using Everyday Materials for Teaching Purposes. World Journal of Chemical Education. 2025; 13(4):91-97. doi: 10.12691/wjce-13-4-1

Abstract

Hydrogen is becoming increasingly important as a versatile energy source in society and industry across various sectors. It is obtained through the electrolysis of water, in which water is split electrolytically into oxygen and hydrogen. The production of hydrogen through electrolysis is an excellent way to teach students key aspects of modern energy storage and the energy transition in a clear and concise manner. However, simple, safe, and inexpensive experiments are particularly important in school lessons. The model experiment presented here shows how the electrolysis of water can be carried out successfully and safely using readily available everyday materials. Both technical fundamentals and safety-related aspects are taken into account.

Keywords:
Hydrogen Electrolysis Energy supply Model tests School experiments

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