What is a good, inexpensive alternative to platinum for electrolysis of water?
Tupperware, Rubbermaid and similar containers are very good(I don't know how effective the items you mentioned areI don't use disposableIt's expensive and, well, disposableHowever, my MIL uses the Ziploc bags for the freezerShe's very picky with food, so I guess if it works for her, it's effective.)
Put it in a freeze safe Rubbermaid container:)
Put it in press and seal wrap, and get out as much air as possibleThen put it in a ziploc bag doing the same thingThe less air, the lesser the chance of freezer burn and degredation.
It all depends on what current flow you have (power source)If it is not a laboratory power source designed for electrolysis than you will have to add a cayalyst to the water (since pure water is a very poor conductor of electricity)Catalysts like copper (II) sulfate, sodium carbonate, sodium chloride and sulfuric acid work well if you do not have a good power sourcePlatinum is the best as it is extremely immune to oxidation by oxygen gas and the acidity of the catalyst usedCarbon is the best alternative as it will not be oxidized by the solution and it is highly conductiveIron is the worst and will form a layer of iron oxide within seconds of turning the power on and insulate the electrodeIf you do not have any carbon rods, than aluminum is the next best thing.
