Easier Hydrogen

by Teddy

OK, I read an article on this website about how to make hydrogen via electolosis. I have since discovered an easier way down the garden path.

Miriatic acid is basically a form of HCl. Combined with zinc, this single replacement reaction yields Zinc Chloride and, more importantly, Hydrogen gas. Miriatic acid is a pool ph stabilizer, and can be found at any "large box hardware store" (I won't mention any names, but one has a big orange sign) for about $4/gallon. The clerks did not ask me for any identification, so I assume that anyone can purchase this.

Also found in this store are galvanized nails. Galvanization coats the nails (or screws) in zinc to avoid rusting. You want "hot galvanized", not "electrogalvanized". At least, I'm assuming this, because I can't see the zinc on the electrogalvanized-type. It may still be there, I'm just too lazy to try them.

Combine the two in a plastic bottle and VOILA! Hydrogen! It doesn't take long for the acid to dissolve the zinc, so be quick about capturing it. Balloons sorta work around the bottle neck, but i'm experimenting with a modified version. I drilled a hole in the top of the cap, hot glued a model rocket ignitor wire to it, and then used that to ignite it. This is only a theory, so use at your own risk.