Magnetically separating H2 and O2 in a volume of gas

Asked Nov 26 '16 at 01:52

Active Nov 26 '16 at 17:21

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I'm using a method of electrolysis where the anode and cathode are in close proximity (~0.7mm) and therefore the separate collection of H2 from the cathode is very difficult. Since O2 is paramagnetic and H2 is diamagnetic I was thinking I could use permanent magnets to separate the gases in a specially constructed bubbler.

Is it possible to calculate the required magnetic field strength necessary to perform this separation? If so, can you provide a formula or point me in the right direction where I can read about how to calculate this?

edited Nov 26 '16 at 17:21

Mithoron

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asked Nov 26 '16 at 01:52

Eric C.

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You would need a very low temperature and a very strong magnet. – DHMO Nov 26 '16 at 01:58
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Relevant question – Nicolau Saker Neto Nov 26 '16 at 02:18
That would be about as practical as making gold from mercury in particle accelerators. – Ivan Neretin Nov 26 '16 at 06:50
@DHMO or thousands of steps in a cascade (like the processes used to concentrate uranium isotopes). Hardly cheap or practical even compared to fractional distillation of the liquefied gas. – matt_black Nov 26 '16 at 11:31
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All of your comments have been very helpful, and while DHMO's response is qualitatively correct, the relevant question referenced in #2 provided a formula that seems applicable to my situation. Thank you! – Eric C. Nov 26 '16 at 15:00

Magnetically separating H2 and O2 in a volume of gas

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