Abstract: Provided are compositions which may be used in agricultural applications. Also provided are methods of making and using the compositions. In embodiments, a plant fungicide or plant bactericide is provided comprising a nanostructured chemical compound, the chemical compound comprising a metal and a coordinating anion, wherein the nanostructured chemical compound is in the form of a plurality of planar, two-dimensional nanostructures.

Abstract: Discrete, individualized carbon nanotubes having targeted, or selective, oxidation levels and/or content on the interior and exterior of the tube walls are claimed. Such carbon nanotubes can have little to no inner tube surface oxidation, or differing amounts and/or types of oxidation between the tubes' inner and outer surfaces. These new discrete carbon nanotubes are useful in electromagnetic and radio frequency shielding applications, especially where the shielding is essentially constant over a relatively wide range of frequencies. Additives such as plasticizers, can be used in compounding and formulation of elastomeric, thermoplastic and thermoset composite for improvement of mechanical, electrical and thermal properties.

Abstract: System and method for sustainable economic development which includes hydrogen extracted from substances, for example, sea water, industrial waste water, agricultural waste water, sewage, and landfill waste water. The hydrogen extraction is accomplished by thermal dissociation, electrical dissociation, optical dissociation, and magnetic dissociation. The hydrogen extraction further includes operation in conjunction with energy addition from renewable resources, for example, solar, wind, moving water, geothermal, or biomass resources.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an electrochemical process for water splitting for production of oxygen using porous Co3O4 nanorods with a considerably low overpotential and high exchange current density. The present invention further discloses a simple, industrially feasible process of for preparation of said nanostructured porous cobalt oxide catalyst thereof.

Abstract: A gas permeable or breathable electrode and method of manufacture thereof. In one example there is an electrolytic cell having an electrode comprising a porous material, wherein gas produced at the electrode diffuses out of the cell via the porous material. In operation the gas is produced at the at least one electrode without substantial bubble formation. In another example there is an electrode having a porous conducting material with a hydrophobic layer or coating applied to a side of the porous conducting material. A catalyst may be applied to another side. The gas permeable or breathable electrode can be used in an electrolytic cell, electrochemical cell, battery and/or fuel cell. Gas produced at the electrode diffuses out of a cell via at least part of the electrode, separating the gas from the reaction at the electrode.

Abstract: The present aspects of an embodiment make more efficient use of hydrogen on-demand (hereinafter “HoD”) systems, thereby improving fossil-fuel-powered systems on the market. One main aspect uses a disposable cartridge in which the electrolytic process takes place to separate gas molecules from a solution that uses a substantially dry-cell design. Generally, the aspects include a replaceable and reusable cartridge for the flow of electrolyte solution using a pump, which may include a variety of safety features. A HoD cartridge generator has a plurality of staggered conductive material members that require electrolyte solution to flow between them, from one or more inlets to one or more outlets, using one or more specified paths. A conventional or specially-formulated electrolyte solution may be used. One or more sensors allow the generator to have a steady flow of solution in and a steady flow of liquid-gas mixture out of the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the electrolytic splitting of water using a carbon-supported manganese oxide (MnOx) composite. Specifically, the present electrolytic splitting of water is carried under neutral electrolyte conditions with a high electrolytic activity, while using an oxygen evolution reaction (OER)-electrode comprising the present carbon-supported MnOx composite. Next, the present invention relates to a process for producing such a carbon-supported MnOx composite as well as to a composite obtainable by the present process for producing the same and to an OER-electrode comprising the carbon-supported MnOx composite obtainable by the present process.

Abstract: Disclosed are electrolysis catalysts formed from cobalt, oxygen and buffering electrolytes (e.g. fluoride). They can be formed as a coating on an anode by conducting an electrolysis reaction using an electrolyte containing cobalt and an anionic buffering electrolyte. The catalysts will facilitate the conversion of water to oxygen and hydrogen gas at a range of mildly acidic conditions. Alternatively, these anodes can be used with cathodes that facilitate other desirable reactions such as converting carbon dioxide to methanol.

Abstract: Membrane-less electrolysis systems including an electrolysis chamber having an inlet for water, a cathode associated with the electrolysis chamber that includes a plurality of apertures within the cathode that fluidly couple the chamber with a cathode fluid pathway that is fluidly coupled to a hydrogen gas collector, an anode associated with the electrolysis chamber that similarly includes a plurality of apertures fluidly coupling the chamber with an anode fluid pathway that is fluidly coupled to an oxygen gas collector, a power source electrically coupled to the cathode and anode, and a pump fluidly coupled with the water reservoir and electrolysis chamber so that the pump is configured to pump water into the electrolysis chamber, through the cathode and anode apertures, into the cathode and anode fluid pathways, respectively, and into the product gas collectors.

Abstract: This invention relates to electrolysis apparatus 10 adapted to produce oxygenated and hydrogenated fluid, formed during the electrolysis of an electrolytic solution passed into the apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 comprises a first and second outer end members 12 and 14 and first and second permeable electrodes 16 and 18 spaced from one another. Each permeable electrode 16 and 18 are of a foraminous or perforated material. An inlet chamber 20 has two inlets 26 for allowing electrolytic solution to pass into said chamber 20. The apparatus 10 also has an oxygen outlet 28 as well as a hydrogen outlet 30. The flow of electrolytic solution through the permeable electrodes 16 and 18 will carry with it the oxygen and hydrogen gasses generated on the positive and negative (first and second) permeable electrodes respectively.

Abstract: Oxygen reduction catalysts for fuel cells are provided. The catalyst can be based on platinum-coated palladium nanotubes, or multiple twinned, crystalline silver nanowires. Also provided is a method of removing carbon dioxide using a membrane having basic functional groups, and a method of water electrolysis using a membrane having basic functional groups.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in some embodiments, hybrid materials having reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) and nanoparticles of a conductive, transparent metal oxide such as tin-doped indium oxide (ITO). The material can further include one or more transition metal catalysts, such as {Ru(Mebimpy)[4,4?-((HO)2OPCH2)2bpy](OH2)}2+. Oxidation of water, benzyl alcohol, and other useful reactants is possible when the material is employed as an electrode.

Abstract: A cathode for hydrogen evolution in an electrolytic cell, comprising a metallic substrate, and a coating consisting of substantially pure ruthenium oxide, is disclosed. The inventive cathode provides enhanced performance and service life under unsteady and intermittent powering, such as powering from solar cells; a process for coating the metallic substrate is also disclosed.

Abstract: A photoelectrochemical cell (100) includes: a semiconductor electrode (120) including a conductor (121), a first n-type semiconductor layer (122) having a nanotube array structure, and a second n-type semiconductor layer (123); a counter electrode (130) connected to the conductor (121); an electrolyte (140) in contact with the second n-type semiconductor layer (123) and the counter electrode (130); and a container (110) accommodating the semiconductor electrode (120), the counter electrode (130) and the electrolyte (140).

Abstract: An apparatus for the electrolytic splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen gases is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: (i) a first hemi-enclosure; (ii) a second hemi-enclosure; (iii) a diaphragm electrode array positioned between the first hemi-enclosure and the second hemi-enclosure comprising: (a) a diaphragm, that passes ions and impedes the passage of gases, comprising a first side and a second opposed side; (b) a first plurality of electrodes in a first vicinity of the first side of the diaphragm; and (c) a second plurality of electrodes in a second vicinity of the second opposed side of the diaphragm; (iv) a fastener, for leak-tight fastening of the first hemi-enclosure, the diaphragm electrode array, and the second hemi-enclosure, whereby a leak-tight enclosure is formed; (v) contacts, for electrically powering the first and second pluralities of electrodes, and; (vi) pathways, configured to remove hydrogen and oxygen gases from the enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus for the electrolytic splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen gases is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: (i) a first hemi-enclosure; (ii) a second hemi-enclosure; (iii) a diaphragm electrode array positioned between the first hemi-enclosure and the second hemi-enclosure comprising: (a) a diaphragm, that passes ions and impedes the passage of gases, comprising a first side and a second opposed side; (b) a first plurality of electrodes in a first vicinity of the first side of the diaphragm; and (c) a second plurality of electrodes in a second vicinity of the second opposed side of the diaphragm; (iv) a fastener, for leak-tight fastening of the first hemi-enclosure, the diaphragm electrode array, and the second hemi-enclosure, whereby a leak-tight enclosure is formed; (v) contacts, for electrically powering the first and second pluralities of electrodes, and; (vi) pathways, configured to remove hydrogen and oxygen gases from the enclosure.

Abstract: A hydrogen supplementation fuel apparatus and method having a power source, a hydrogen generator and an accumulator for supplementing hydrogen gas to improve the fuel efficiency of internal combustion engines. The hydrogen generator uses electrodes that are helically wound about a separator to increase the hydrogen generation output.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst comprising (i) a semiconductor preferably comprising one or more metal-(Group VIb) semiconductors, and (ii) a semiconductor material having elevated phosphorous content preferably comprising one or more metal-(Group VIb))-phosphorous species

Abstract: An electrolytic cell, a method for manufacturing the cell, and a method of operating same. The electrolytic cell has at least two bipolar plates, at least one fluid inflow and outflow, as well as at least one laminated core arranged between the at least two bipolar plates. The laminated core is constructed from laminations which are stacked one on top of the other. At least two laminations have recesses which are designed to extend through the entire thickness of the respective lamination. The at least two laminations are arranged one on top of the other in such a way that recesses in adjacent laminations overlap partially, but not completely, as a result of which ducts, which are continuous in the direction of the plane of the lamination, are formed.

Abstract: The corrosion resistance of stainless steel anodes for use in alkaline water electrolysis was increased by immersion of the stainless steel anode into a caustic solution prior to electrolysis. Also disclosed herein are electrolyzers employing the so-treated stainless steel anodes. The pre-treatment process provides a stainless steel anode that has a higher corrosion resistance than an untreated stainless steel anode of the same composition.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for generating oxygen via an electrolysis reaction. One places an anode and a cathode in aqueous solution, and uses an external source of electricity to drive the electrolysis reaction from the anode and cathode. The anode has at least three metal oxides, preferably with nickel oxide or cobalt oxide as at least one of the oxides. Also disclosed are electrodes designed for catalyzing oxygen consumption or formation reactions, where the electrodes have a mix of such three metal oxides.

Abstract: A process for oxidizing water using amorphous cobalt tungstate is disclosed. A plurality of amorphous cobalt tungstate nanoparticles are supported on an electrode and are able to catalytically interact with water molecules generating oxygen. The catalyst can be used as part of a electrochemical or photo-electrochemical cell for the generation of electrical energy.

Abstract: Cells and methods of producing hydrogen and oxygen from an aqueous solution at about 90% of the Faraday Limit are provided. An exemplary method includes the steps of placing a graphite electrode and a nickel electrode in an alkaline solution comprising colloidal silver, colloidal magnesium and a powdered metal such as aluminum, and applying a constant positive voltage to the nickel electrode. Further, the example includes cyclically applying a negative voltage potential to the graphite electrode by turning on the negative applied voltage for a first time period and switching off the negative voltage for a second time period. The second time period should be sufficient to permit removal of substantially all or at least some of any aluminum or zinc deposited on the graphite electrode. Graphite-containing electrodes may be pretreated to infuse with a precious metal.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrolyzer including an electrode including a nanoporous oxide-coated conducting material. Also disclosed is a method of producing a gas through electrolysis by contacting an aqueous solution with an electrode connected to an electrical power source, wherein the electrode includes a nanoporous oxide-coated conducting material.

Abstract: Disclosed are electrolysis catalysts formed from cobalt, oxygen and buffering electrolytes (e.g. fluoride). They can be formed as a coating on an anode by conducting an electrolysis reaction using an electrolyte containing cobalt and an anionic buffering electrolyte. The catalysts will facilitate the conversion of water to oxygen and hydrogen gas at a range of mildly acidic conditions. Alternatively, these anodes can be used with cathodes that facilitate other desirable reactions such as converting carbon dioxide to methanol.

Abstract: A multi-cell or single-cell electrolysis type electrolyzer for the production of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas with a delivery system through tubes, bubbler and check valve to internal combustion engine, generator, turbine or similar combustion device for the enhancement of hydrocarbon fuels and/or gas combustion device is disclosed. This device comprises at least one or more chambers of sealed containers, distilled water, a variety of electrolytes, multi or single strand stainless steel, nickel or platinum wire, a plastic, glass, or ceramic insulator within a stainless steel, nickel, or platinum tube and an ultrasonic piezo crystal allowing water and or a weak electrolyte solution to decompose into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas.

Abstract: A photoelectrochemical cell (100) includes: a semiconductor electrode (120) including a conductor (121) and an n-type semiconductor layer (122); a counter electrode (130) connected electrically to the conductor (121); an electrolyte (140) in contact with the surfaces of the n-type semiconductor layer (122) and the counter electrode (130); and a container (110) accommodating the semiconductor electrode (120), the counter electrode (130) and the electrolyte (140). The photoelectrochemical cell (100) generates hydrogen by irradiation of the n-type semiconductor layer (122) with light.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include an anode, devices and systems including the anode (e.g., electrochemical devices and photo-electrochemical devices), methods of using the anode, methods of producing H2 and O2 from H2O, Cl2, oxidixed organic feedstocks, oxidation for the detection and quantification of chemical species, and the like.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to hetero-nanostructures for efficient solar energy conversions, and more particularly to the fabrication of titanium dioxide hetero-nanostructures and methods of using same for water splitting. In an embodiment, a hetero-nanostructure includes a plurality of connected and spaced-apart nanobeams linked together at an about 90-degree angle, the plurality of nanobeams including a conductive silicide core having an n-type photoactive titanium dioxide shell.

Abstract: Disclosed are electrolysis catalysts formed from cobalt, oxygen and fluorine. They can be formed as a coating on an anode by conducting an electrolysis reaction using an electrolyte containing cobalt and fluoride. The catalysts will facilitate the conversion of water to hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, even at pH neutral/room temperature reaction conditions. The resulting hydrogen gas is a means of storing renewable energy for use in hydrogen powered vehicles or the like.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention an electrolytic cell is provided comprising: a containment vessel; a first electrode; a second electrode; a source of electrical current in electrical communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; an electrolyte in fluid communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; a gas, wherein the gas is formed during electrolysis at or near the first electrode; and a separator; wherein the first electrode is configured to control the location of nucleation of the gas by substantially separating the location of electron transfer and nucleation.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention an electrolytic cell is provided comprising a containment vessel; a first electrode; a second electrode; a source of electrical current in electrical communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; an electrolyte in fluid communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; a gas, wherein the gas is formed during electrolysis at or near the first electrode; and a separator; wherein the separator includes an inclined surface to direct flow of the electrolyte and the gas due to a difference between density of the electrolyte and the combined density of the electrolyte and the gas such that the gas substantially flows in a direction distal to the second electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water photolysis system comprising: a casing 1 into which incident sunlight L can enter from the outside and a photolytic layer 5 which is disposed inside the casing 1; wherein the photolytic layer 5 has a light-transmissive porous material 51 and photocatalyst particles 52 supported thereon; a water layer 4 containing water in its liquid state is disposed below the photolytic layer 5 with a first space 6 disposed between the water layer and the photolytic layer; a sealed second space 7 is formed above the photolytic layer 5 in the casing 1; vapor generated from the water layer 4 is introduced into the photolytic layer 5 via the first space 6; and the vapor is decomposed into hydrogen and oxygen by the photocatalyst particles 52, which are excited by the sunlight L.

Abstract: A device and method for generation of high octane hydrogen gas from acetic acid includes providing an electrolysis unit having a cathode, an anode, neutral elements, gaskets, and an electrolyte including acetic acid; applying pulse-width-modulated power to the cathode and anode to produce hydrogen and oxygen gas from the electrolyte; transporting the gas and some of the electrolyte from the electrolysis unit to a reservoir; transporting the electrolyte in the reservoir back to the electrolysis unit, thereby reusing the electrolyte; refilling the reservoir with distilled water when the level of electrolyte in the reservoir is low; utilizing a condensate trap to dump water that condenses out of the gas in the reservoir; and transporting the gas in the condensate trap for use. The hydrogen and oxygen gas may be provided to the air intake of an engine.

Abstract: A method and device for the production of hydrogen from water and electricity using an active metal alloy. The active metal alloy reacts with water producing hydrogen and a metal hydroxide. The metal hydroxide is consumed, restoring the active metal alloy, by applying a voltage between the active metal alloy and the metal hydroxide. As the process is sustainable, only water and electricity is required to sustain the reaction generating hydrogen.

Abstract: A method for configuring a solar hydrogen generation system and the system optimization are disclosed. The system utilizes photovoltaic modules and an electrolyte solution to efficiently split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The efficiency of solar powered electrolysis of water is optimized by matching the most efficient voltage generated by photovoltaic cells to the most efficient input voltage required by the electrolysis cell(s). Optimizing PV-electrolysis systems makes solar powered hydrogen generation cheaper and more practical for use as an environmentally clean alternative fuel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a system and a method for the production of hydrogen. The system advantageously combines an independent high temperature heat source with a solid oxide electrolyzer cell and a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is used to extract heat from the molecular components such as hydrogen derived from the electrolysis. A portion of the hydrogen generated in the solid oxide electrolyzer cell is recombined with steam and recycled to the solid oxide electrolyzer cell. The oxygen generated on the anode side is swept with compressed air and used to drive a gas turbine that is in operative communication with a generator. Electricity generated by the generator is used to drive the electrolysis in the solid oxide electrolyzer cell.

Abstract: A photoelectrolysis cell is described herein. The cell includes a photoelectrode based on a material having the general formula (Ln1?xMx)(Nb1?yTay)O1+xN2?x. Ln is at least one lanthanide element; M is at least one alkaline earth metal; 0?x?0.99; and 0?y?1. The photoelectrolysis cell further includes a counter-electrode formed from at least one metal or metallic alloy. An electrolyte which is in contact with both the photoelectrode and the counter-electrode is another component of the cell, along with a means for collecting hydrogen produced by the cell. A related process for producing hydrogen in a photoelectrolysis cell is also described.

Abstract: Water electrolysis device determining stable isotopic composition of water and a water electrolysis method for stable isotopic composition of water capable of analyzing many samples easily, safely and at low cost in very short time, and rapidly analyzing 17O are provided. The water electrolysis device performing mass spectrometry of hydrogen or oxygen stable isotopic composition includes a proton exchange membrane of fluorocarbon polymer plated non-electrolytically with platinum, iridium, rhodium or iridium-rhodium alloy, and a cathode and an anode of porous titanium plated with platinum and sandwiching the proton exchange membrane, wherein water electrolyzes by introduction into the anode side chamber and supplying DC current between the anode and the cathode, and oxygen gas generated at the anode and hydrogen gas generated at the cathode respectively flows into an isotope ratio mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A method for generating hydrogen by photocatalytic decomposition of water using porphyrin nanotube composites. In some embodiments, both hydrogen and oxygen are generated by photocatalytic decomposition of water.

Abstract: Large quantities of low cost hydrogen free of carbon oxides are required as fuel for the hydrogen economy. Commercial quantities of hydrogen can be produced from the electrolysis of water using a diaphragm-less electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell has an anode cell (31) and a cathode cell (32) connected by a DC power source (53) and an external conductor (52). An alternate apparatus method to produce hydrogen is to electrolyze water using unipolar activation. Unipolar activation uses separate anode and cathode circuits and can use secondary cathode (132) and anode (139) cells to recover energy and produce further hydrogen.

Abstract: A method and means for producing a combustible mixture of hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis of water using a pulsed application of water onto electrodes while applying an electrical potential between electrodes and where the electrodes are not immersed in the water which flows between the electrodes while undergoing electrolysis.

Abstract: A process for electroplating of metal utilizing a valve metal electrode substrate containing multiple coating layers is disclosed. A top coating layer of a valve metal oxide is applied over a first coating layer of an electrochemically active coating. The electrode may find use in an electroplating system containing organic substituents in which the consumption of the organic substituent is significantly decreased or in systems where it is desirable to suppress the oxidation of a species in an electrochemical cell.

Abstract: Highly active hydrogen evolving cathode using a platinum group metal catalyst in an amount smaller than that used in the conventional hydrogen evolving cathode. The hydrogen evolving cathode includes a conductive substrate, and a catalyst layer comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of silver and a silver oxide compound, and at least one selected from the group consisting of a platinum group metal, a platinum group metal oxide and a platinum group metal hydroxide, formed on a surface of the conductive substrate.

Abstract: A method of separating and recovering 18F from 18O water at high purity and efficiency while maintaining the purity of the 18O water. By using a solid electrode (1) as an anode and a container (electrodeposition vessel) (2) made of platinum as a cathode, 18F in a solution (4) is electrodeposited on the solid electrode surface by applying a voltage. Then, by using the solid electrode (1) on which 18F is electrodeposited as a cathode and a container (recovery vessel) (5) holding pure water therein as an anode, 18F is recovered in the pure water by applying a voltage of opposite polarity to that of the electrodeposition. In this process, little 18O water is lost. The initial concentration of the 18O water is maintained even after the electrodeposition of 18F, so that the 18O water can be repeatedly used as an irradiation target for production of 18F.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell system includes a hydrogen electrode; an oxygen electrode; a membrane disposed between the hydrogen electrode and the oxygen electrode; and a compartmentalized storage tank. The compartmentalized storage tank has a first fluid storage section and a second fluid storage section separated by a movable divider. The compartmentalized storage tank is in fluid communication with the electrochemical cell. Further, an electrochemical cell includes a hydrogen electrode; an oxygen electrode; an electrolyte membrane disposed between and in intimate contact with the hydrogen electrode and said oxygen electrode; an oxygen flow field disposed adjacent to and in intimate contact with the oxygen electrode; a hydrogen flow field disposed adjacent to and in intimate contact with the hydrogen electrode; a water flow field disposed in fluid communication with the oxygen flow field; and a media divider disposed between the oxygen flow field and the water flow field.

Abstract: An improved scheme for dissociating water into hydrogen and oxygen is provided in which a two dimensional matrix of electrodes is provided in a reaction vessel. The electrodes are connected to a source of electrical power for providing a potential difference there between sufficient for dissociating the water. The matrix includes a smallest two dimensional repeating group that consists of four electrodes arranged in a quadrilateral clockwise plus, minus, plus, minus. The hydrogen can be used for burning, running an internal combustion engine, or for providing electrical power in a fuel cell. Core water from the matrix can also be used directly as heating water. Direct current, or switched direct current can be used for generating hydrogen while AC sources can be used for generating heat.

Abstract: A hydrogen and oxygen gas generator (100) is provided that uses electrodes (160) made of carbon graphite and disposed in a vessel (110) containing a conductive solution of water and salt (165). The carbon graphite electrodes may be made of graphite baked with a binder to form rods, and may include a conductive cladding over a portion of the rods. An electric potential is applied between the electrodes, causing a current through the saline solution that results in dissociation of water into hydrogen and oxygen, which is expelled through a gas discharge port (156) in the vessel. The generator may be used as a stand-alone combustible gas generator, or in a vehicle (90), powered by an alternator (96) driven by the vehicle engine (98), and providing hydrogen and oxygen to the engine to improve the efficiency of the engine.

Abstract: A first electrode layer and a second electrode layer cover the surface of an object. The electrode layers are separated by a relatively large interelectrode distance, usually not exceeding 10 mm. Conductive ice or liquid water fills the interelectrode space between the electrodes, providing electrical connection of the electrodes. A DC or a low-frequency AC voltage is applied across the electrodes. The applied voltage causes electrolysis of water molecules at the electrodes, resulting in generation of hydrogen and oxygen gas bubbles. Optionally, a DC power supply generates sparks that ignite a mixture of the hydrogen and oxygen gases.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing electrolysis on materials such as water, thereby electrically separating the electrolyte into its elemental components. More specifically, according to a preferred aspect of the instant invention, there is provided an apparatus for splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen that uses a specially prepared cathode in conjunction with incident light energy to increase the efficiency of that process. A preferred embodiment of this apparatus uses the photo collector/cathode which comprises a thin layer of metal, preferably nickel, deposited by electroplating or a similar technique onto a conductive surface (e.g., a sheet of copper metal). During the electrolysis process, the cathode is irradiated with light, thereby reducing the amount of electrical energy necessary to separate a given quantity of electrolytic material.