Hydrogen Water Production: Electrolysis, Nanobubbles & Quality

There are various methods for enriching drinking water with molecular hydrogen. The three most important are:

• Electrolysis: The most common method. Water is split into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂) using an electric current. The hydrogen is then dissolved in the water.
• Chemical reaction: Metallic magnesium reacts with water and produces H₂ in the process. This method is used in some hydrogen sticks, but it often delivers lower concentrations.
• Direct infusion: Pure hydrogen is introduced directly into the water under pressure – the method used in industrial bottling such as the AWAKE products.

Each method has advantages and disadvantages in terms of H₂ concentration, stability and the purity of the end product.

Hydrogen generators for home use rely on PEM electrolysis (Proton Exchange Membrane). A special membrane is used that allows protons to pass through but separates the gases:

1. Water is filled into a chamber
2. Electrodes generate a direct current
3. Hydrogen (H₂) forms at the cathode
4. Oxygen (O₂) forms at the anode
5. The PEM membrane separates the gases and avoids the formation of ozone or chlorine

Important: Cheap generators without a PEM membrane can produce unwanted by-products such as ozone. When choosing a device, always look for SPE/PEM technology.

Generators typically reach 0.5–1.2 ppm H₂. The water should be drunk within 15–30 minutes, as the hydrogen continuously escapes.

The biggest problem with hydrogen water is stability: H₂ escapes from an open glass within minutes. This is where nanobubble technology comes in.

What are nanobubbles? Extremely small gas bubbles (under 200 nanometres – around 500 times smaller than a hair). Unlike normal bubbles, which rise and burst, nanobubbles remain stable in the water for weeks to months.

Advantages of nanobubble technology:

• Higher H₂ concentration possible (up to 1.6 ppm and more)
• Significantly longer shelf life of the dissolved hydrogen
• Better bioavailability thanks to the enormous surface area of the nanobubbles
• Enables bottling in cans and bottles for everyday use

The AWAKE products use this technology to offer hydrogen water in practical cans and glass bottles – with a stable H₂ concentration until opening.

Two metrics are decisive for assessing hydrogen water:

ppm (parts per million) – measures the concentration of dissolved hydrogen:

• 0.5 ppm: Minimum effective concentration according to studies
• 0.8–1.0 ppm: Good range for daily consumption
• 1.0–1.6 ppm: High concentration, as achieved with AWAKE cans
• 1.6 ppm: Saturation limit at normal pressure and room temperature

ORP (oxidation-reduction potential) – measures the antioxidant capacity in millivolts:

• Tap water: +200 to +400 mV (oxidising)
• Good H₂ water: −200 to −600 mV (reducing, antioxidant)

The more negative the ORP value, the stronger the antioxidant effect. High-quality H₂ water drops or reagents for home testing are available online.

Every form of hydrogen water has its advantages and disadvantages:

H₂ generators (home devices)

• ✅ Produce unlimited H₂ water
• ✅ Cost-effective in the long run
• ❌ Initial investment (100–500 CHF)
• ❌ Water has to be drunk immediately
• ❌ Quality varies from device to device

Pre-filled cans (e.g. AWAKE can)

• ✅ Constant, high H₂ concentration
• ✅ Practical for on the go
• ✅ No preparation needed
• ❌ Higher running costs
• ❌ Aluminium can (recyclable)

Pre-filled glass bottles (e.g. AWAKE bottle)

• ✅ Premium quality in glass
• ✅ Stable concentration
• ✅ Sustainable packaging
• ❌ Higher price

For getting started, we recommend the AWAKE can – practical, proven and with the right concentration. You can find details and subscription options on our hydrogen water page.

Not every hydrogen water is the same. Look out for the following quality criteria:

• H₂ concentration: At least 0.5 ppm, ideally above 1.0 ppm. Have the values confirmed by the supplier.
• Production process: Prefer nanobubble technology or high-quality PEM electrolysis. Chemical H₂ sticks often deliver too little concentration.
• Water source: Filtered or natural spring water as a basis. Look for information on the water's origin.
• Packaging: Aluminium or glass retain the hydrogen better than PET bottles. PET is gas-permeable.
• Independent testing: Reputable suppliers have their products tested regularly by independent laboratories.
• Country of manufacture: The AWAKE products are manufactured in Germany under strict quality standards.

A simple rule of thumb: if a supplier provides no information on ppm values and production processes, scepticism is warranted.