Aluminum—Air Battery

Modesto Tamez and Julie H. Yu
Exploratorium Teacher Institute, San Francisco, CA 94123
J. Chem. Educ., 2007, 84 (12), p 1936A
DOI: 10.1021/ed084p1936A
Publication Date (Web): December 1, 2007

Abstract

In this Activity, students construct a homemade aluminum-air battery out of aluminum foil, activated charcoal, and saltwater. This battery generates enough power to operate a simple electrical device, such as a small motor or holiday light. This provides teachers a hands-on method that uses battery chemistry to teach oxidation and reduction reactions and is fun for students. In addition, the use of oxygen as a reactant presents an opportunity to discuss the science of fuel cells.

Keywords (Audience):

Elementary / Middle School Science

Keywords (Domain):

Inorganic Chemistry

Keywords (Feature):

JCE Classroom Activity

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives

Keywords (Subject):

Electrochemistry

Citing Articles

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This article has been cited by 2 ACS Journal articles (2 most recent appear below).

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      A collection of energy-related online resources is presented. The topics covered begin with energy basics and extend to alternative energy, including solar energy, fuel cells, wind energy, and biomass energy. Links to the resources are included.

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    JCE Classroom Activity #111: Redox Reactions in Three Representations

    Edgardo L. Ortiz Nieves, Reizelie Barreto, and Zuleika Medina
    Journal of Chemical Education2012 89 (5), 643-645
    • JCE Classroom Activity #111: Redox Reactions in Three Representations

      Edgardo L. Ortiz Nieves, Reizelie Barreto, and Zuleika Medina
      Journal of Chemical Education2012 89 (5), 643-645

      This activity introduces students to the concept of reduction–oxidation (redox) reactions. To help students obtain a thorough understanding of redox reactions, the concept is explored at three levels: macroscopic, submicroscopic, and symbolic. In this ...

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History

  • Received: August 03, 2009

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