Many people are turning to hydrogen water for its potential antioxidant properties, but wonder if it's possible to create it from regular tap water at home. The answer is yes, and modern technology provides two primary, safe methods to achieve this: specialized electrolysis generators and reactive magnesium tablets. While both methods can utilize tap water, understanding the nuances of water quality and the technology involved is key to producing a high-quality, pure final product.
Using a Hydrogen Water Generator with Electrolysis
This method relies on a compact electrolysis unit, often built into a portable bottle, to split water ($H_2O$) into hydrogen ($H_2$) and oxygen ($O_2$). A specialized Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) or Solid Polymer Electrolyte (SPE) is crucial for this process. This membrane separates the hydrogen from other byproducts, like chlorine and ozone, that can be produced when tap water is used.
The process involves filling the generator bottle with water, pressing a button to activate the electrolysis cycle, and waiting a few minutes for the water to be infused with molecular hydrogen gas. High-quality generators vent the unwanted oxygen and chlorine away, leaving behind pure, hydrogen-rich water.
How to prepare tap water for a generator: While a generator can work with tap water due to its higher mineral content acting as a conductor, minerals can cause scale buildup on the electrodes over time, reducing efficiency. More importantly, electrolysis of chlorinated tap water without a proper SPE/PEM membrane can create harmful byproducts. For optimal and safest results, it is highly recommended to use filtered or purified tap water with an SPE/PEM generator to minimize impurities and prolong the device's lifespan.
Creating Hydrogen Water with Dissolvable Tablets
Hydrogen tablets, typically containing food-grade metallic magnesium, offer a simple and portable alternative. When a tablet is dropped into water, it reacts chemically to produce molecular hydrogen gas, which then dissolves into the water.
The chemical reaction is: $Mg + 2H_2O \to Mg(OH)_2 + H_2$.
The process is straightforward:
- Fill a tight-sealing container with tap water.
- Drop in one hydrogen tablet.
- Seal the container immediately to prevent the gaseous hydrogen from escaping.
- Wait for the tablet to fully dissolve.
- Drink promptly after opening to enjoy the highest hydrogen concentration.
Tap water considerations for tablets: Tablets are more forgiving with tap water quality since the reaction is chemical, not electrical. However, some users report a slightly altered taste due to the minerals released. Filtering your tap water first can improve the final taste.
Important Safety and Storage Tips
Regardless of the method, proper handling is key. Hydrogen is the smallest molecule and dissipates from water quickly once exposed to air.
- Use airtight, preferably aluminum or glass, containers.
- Consume your hydrogen water within 15-30 minutes of preparation for maximum potency.
- Avoid shaking or heating the water after it has been infused, as this can accelerate hydrogen loss.
Comparison of Hydrogen Water Methods
| Feature | Hydrogen Generator (SPE/PEM) | Hydrogen Tablets |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Electrolysis splits water, infusing pure $H_2$ | Chemical reaction from magnesium releases $H_2$ |
| Speed | Fast (3-10 minutes) | Fast (dissolves within minutes) |
| Purity | Highest with purified/filtered water; byproduct venting prevents contamination | Moderate; reaction releases magnesium hydroxide |
| Convenience | Reusable device, requires power | Portable, single-use, no power needed |
| Cost | Higher initial investment, lower per use | Lower initial cost, higher ongoing cost |
| Tap Water Use | Recommended to use filtered for device longevity and purity | Fine with tap water; taste may be slightly altered |
What About DIY Electrolysis?
For the adventurous, a rudimentary electrolysis setup can be made with a 9-volt battery, wires, and carbon electrodes, and while tap water works for conductivity, this method is strongly discouraged for producing potable water. Using salt as an electrolyte can produce toxic chlorine gas, while the electrodes themselves can degrade and introduce heavy metals. This is not a safe way to produce drinking water and should be avoided.
Conclusion
Turning tap water into hydrogen water at home is a viable option thanks to modern technology. Both hydrogen water generators and dissolvable tablets offer effective ways to infuse tap water with molecular hydrogen. For the cleanest and safest results, especially with electrolysis, using filtered or purified tap water is the best practice. By following the correct procedures for your chosen method, you can consistently enjoy the potential benefits of hydrogen-infused water right from your kitchen sink.
To learn more about the science behind electrolysis, you can visit the U.S. Department of Energy's page on Hydrogen Production: Electrolysis.
