Our Research

We set out to find am efficient way of recovering sunken ships by producing the gas at the wreck rather than having to pump compressed air down to the wreck. After researching alternative methods, we came upon the electrolysis of water. This allows hydrogen and oxygen to be produced underwater and the only thing needed was an electrical current. Using Science Direct, we researched electrolytic cells, how they work, and how to build them. We decided on using aluminium, copper, and steel for our electrodes. We will be building an electrolytic cell and submerging it in a saltwater solution. We will then measure the volume of gas produced over time. We hypothesize that aluminum with the highest current will yield the greatest rate of hydrogen production.

Researching topics can be a struggle if you don't know where to look. Using resources like Science Direct, Michigan Electronic Library, and Google Scholar have been a blessing since the search engine can help find specific research or ideas on electrochemistry or water pollution that are peer-reviewed as well.

Plans before trials is to construct a electrolytic cell from scratch using metal sheets, bolts, nuts and washers. Also constructing an airtight seal of the apparatus from a Tupperware container allowing gas to leak from the top and travel into a collection box like a graduated cylinder.