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

Dominique Rosenberg1,, Tom Severin Gabriel1, Maike Busker2, Sven Gehbardt2

1Chemistry, University Rostock, Rostock, Germany

2Chemistry, Europe University Flensburg, Flensburg, Germany

World Journal of Chemical Education. 2025, 13(4), 91-97. DOI: 10.12691/wjce-13-4-1
Received October 01, 2025; Revised November 02, 2025; Accepted November 10, 2025

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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