Making Hydrogen from Lye

[G. Morgan]

How quickly does the reaction between sodium hydroxide + H2O and aluminum take
place?

Is it safe to use this method to capture hydrogen, to fill a balloon?

Add the aluminum to the solution, or vice-versa?

[Poutnik]

Post by G. Morgan
How quickly does the reaction between sodium hydroxide + H2O and aluminum take
place?
Is it safe to use this method to capture hydrogen, to fill a balloon?
Add the aluminum to the solution, or vice-versa?

According to my experience it is safe reaction,
unless you use Al powder.
Better to add Al to solution, needed amount

[G. Morgan]

Post by Poutnik

Post by G. Morgan
How quickly does the reaction between sodium hydroxide + H2O and aluminum take
place?
Is it safe to use this method to capture hydrogen, to fill a balloon?
Add the aluminum to the solution, or vice-versa?

According to my experience it is safe reaction,
unless you use Al powder.
Better to add Al to solution, needed amount

Thanks for the reply! I thought these groups were deserted.

I'm not a chemist, so I don't want to try this unless it's safe.

I was going to cut AL strips from soda cans.

What would be a good proportion of NaOH:H²O ?

I want to fill a mylar balloon or a small trash bag with Hydrogen, do you know
how much AL to add to accomplish this?

I know I should do this outside, with gloves and goggles. Is there any risk of
a violent explosion? Use plastic, not glass, right?

[Poutnik]

Post by G. Morgan
I was going to cut AL strips from soda cans.
What would be a good proportion of NaOH:H2O ?

I guess 10-20% solution. 40% is near saturation and quite viscose.

Post by G. Morgan
I want to fill a mylar balloon or a small trash bag with Hydrogen, do you know
how much AL to add to accomplish this?

2 Al + 2 NaOH + 6 H2O = 2 Na[Al(OH)4] + 3 H2
So (roughly just from the head )
54 g aluminium
80g NaOH( better 1.5-2x more )
produces cca 75 L of hydrogen

Explosion - remember the Hindenburg
H2 can explode if ignited and mixed with air.
If pure, just gets flame.

Post by G. Morgan
I know I should do this outside, with gloves and goggles. Is there any risk of
a violent explosion? Use plastic, not glass, right?

More dangerous is NaOH, very caustic,
protect skin and eyes.
Bubbles can creates spits and small droplets