Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi! I’m currently working on a science fair project regarding electrolysis and hydrogen fuel cells. My set up is extremely simple, and looks like the one here:
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to- ... Fuel-Cell/
My problem is it is extremely difficult to find platinum wire for me, and it is really expensive. In some internet searches I found stainless steel and copper may also work, but not as efficiently. Will these two work? If so, how? Thank you!

Hi dtomas7,

Electrolysis requires passing electrical current through water. Any conductor should work but you may get some oxidation on the surface of some metals. If you can't use platinum, you might try nickel or copper.

You may be interested in the following Science Buddies projects on electrolysis and on fuel cells.

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... /fuel-cell

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... fuel-cells

I hope this helps. Please ask again if you have more questions.

A. Norman