Electrolysis of water

Apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen and oxygen gases comprising a receptacle for containing water to be decomposed, a plurality of first sheet electrodes arranged and spaced substantially in parallel relationship to each other within said receptacle and a plurality of second sheet electrodes defining a plurality of sets of electrolytic cells each set having at least one cathode and one anode member, interposed between a pair of said sheet electrodes, said first sheet electrodes being alternately connected to the respective poles of a source of direct current having low voltage and high amperage and the cathode and anode members of each of said electrolytic cells being connected to the corresponding poles of a source of direct current having high voltage and low amperage, and means for withdrawing the hydrogen and oxygen gases upon decomposition of the water.