A method and apparatus for alkaline
electrolysis with
hydrogen generation are disclosed herein. The
system includes substantially identical first and second charged batteries 11a and 11b, each of which includes a
zinc-plated first
electrode 12a, 12b made of
copper, silver, or an
alloy thereof, a second
electrode 13a, 13b containing an
iron catalyst, an aqueous alkaline solution 14a, 14b immersing the first and second electrodes, and outlets 15a, 15b configured to allow gas generated at the second
electrode to escape from the batteries 11a, 11b. A power supply element disposed between the first and second electrodes shorts the two batteries and has a specific polarity that ensures a
voltage between the battery electrodes is greater than 1.3 V. In this configuration, the first battery performs a discharging process while producing
hydrogen gas. Optionally, the second battery performs a charging process while producing
oxygen gas. When the first battery's
discharge cycle is completed, the polarity of the power supply is reversed so that the second battery discharges while producing
hydrogen gas, while the first battery recharges while producing
oxygen gas. This polarity reversal is repeated periodically so that
oxygen and hydrogen are alternately produced in the two batteries.