Hydrogen Water mixture?

Question

I am wondering when making hydrogen gas, people always have different opinions on adding vinager, or baking soda, or whatever else, And i am wondering what are some of the perks of using baking soda in the water mixture or vinager? And also What is the Ratio supposed to be? Please explain why such ratio?

Answer 1

I always have used baking soda because if you use salt, the NaCl(which is sodium-CHLORIDE) will separate to form Na metal and Cl gas. Its the Na metal that will react with the water to make more hydrogen, but the Cl gas will turn the water green. But the real problem is the toxicity of the Cl gas.

So use baking soda because it turns into Na metal, hydrogen ions, and carbonate ions.  As for the mixing ammount I take the water and place it in the microwave for 2 minutes.  Then dissolve as much baking soda as possible stirring the whole time until the water just wont take any more.  There shouldn't be any sediment on the bottom.  This is a fantastic electrolyte.  

Remeber to be safe, start small until you know what is going on, you are producing pure hydrogen that can and will explode:)

Answer 2

Hydrogen is cracked from Oxygen by running an electric current through the water

Pure water won't conduct electricity.

So you have to use a solution that will conduct electricity but doesn't corrode the anode and cathode.

Salt water works well. I don't see how baking soda or vinegar will work.

Answer 3

try asking again in chemistry.... I have never looked at that reaction and I'm not looking it up now.