R14e(Microscale Electrolysis)

Microscale Electrolysis Using Coin-Type Lithium Batteries and Filter Paper

PURPOSE:

This experiment is effective when teaching the electrolysis of water, CuCl2.

TARGET:

Junior high school students (8th Grade, 9th Grade)

High school students

CATEGORY:

Chemistry

Micro-scale experiment

HOW TO MAKE:

ALL parts are shown in Fig.1.

(1): An electric current indicator (LED) . …1 (cf.Fig.2)

(2): An electric current regulator (CRD (E-103)) …1 (cf.Fig.3)

(3): Coin-type lithium batteries (CR2032) …2

(4): Annular sheet of filter paper (soaked with 1.0M Na2SO4 aqueous solution) …3 pieces

(5): Circular piece of pH-test paper (whose size is the same as the size of a hole in the filter paper) …3 pieces

(6):Platinum foil (thickness: 0.02mm) …1 piece

(7): A metallic clip …1

First, assemble the electric current indicator as shown in Fig.2.

Then, assemble the electric current regulator as shown in Fig.3.

Punch out the filtering paper and pH test paper as shown in Fig.4.

HOW TO USE:

Assemble all parts as shown in Fig.5.

RESULTS:

A typical result is presented in Fig.7 (after 3-minute-long electrolysis)

EXPERIMENT② (Electrolysis of Copper Chloride)

HOW TO MAKE:

ALL parts are follows;

(1):A electric current indicator using an LED…1 (cf.Fig.2)

(2):Coin-type lithium batteries (CR2032) …2

(3):Annular sheet of filter paper (soaked with 1.0M CuCl2 solution) …1

(4)Platinum foil (thickness:0.02mm) …1

(5)A metallic clip …1

HOW TO USE:

Assemble all parts as shown in Fig.8.

RESULTS:

A typical result is presented in Fig.9 (after 3-minute-long electrolysis).

(a): Copper deposited on the cathode (b) :Red ink bleached by chlorine on the anode

REFERENCES

Masahiro Kamata. and Seiko Yajima, “Microscale Electrolysis Using Coin-Type Lithium Batteries and Filter Paper”, CHEMICAL EDUCATION, 90, pp.228-231, 2013