Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi,

I'm building a 2 chamber MFC and want to know if this wire can be used as electrode?

http://www.amazon.com/Plastic-Coated-Va ... opper+wire

It is plastic coated copper wire. Would this wire be able to act as electron acceptor? I need to start the experiment soon and I'm about to order the material.

Thank You.

Hi Nancy,

I am assuming that you are building the 2-chamber fuel cell described in the Scibuddies project "Waste not Want Not" - https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... #materials Is that correct?

The copper wire specified in the project is 12-gauge so the one listed on Amazon would not be suitable since it is 22-gauge--too thin. You can get a roll of 12-ga insulated copper wire from Radio Shack or Lowes. You need twelve 18" pieces so a 20 or 25 ft roll would be enough.

Let us know if you have more questions about the construction and use. Be sure to read and follow the instructions carefully.

Good luck!

Sybee

Hi Sybee,

Thank you for the quick response.

Yes, I'm building the 2-chamber MFC you mentioned.

The instructions mention that 6 inches of bare copper wire should be epoxied along the carbon cloth. Does it mean that the bare side of the copper wire(6 inches) is covered by the carbon cloth on 3 sides? Should the carbon cloth be rolled over the copper wire to cover it up? The end result would be an almost square carbon cloth with 3 sides having rolled copper wire and the remaining wire not covered by carbon cloth leading out of the chamber through the hole in lid?

It would be great if you have a picture of the anode wire.

Thanks so much for you help.

Hi Nancy,

I read the instructions again for making the electrode and as I understand it all you do is glue the bare copper wire to the carbon cloth using the nickel epoxy cement. there's no need to roll the cloth over the wire. I think the wire acts as both a conductor of the electrons and a support for the cloth. Just make sure you let the epoxy harden completely before you go on to the next step. Also, follow the instructions there on how to check the electrode to make sure the connection is good between the wire and the cloth.

When you have more questions, we'll be here to help you along.

Good luck!

Sybee