Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I am currently building a Microbial Fuel Cell based on the project on Science Buddies Waste Not, Want Not: Use the Microbial Fuel Cell to Create Electricity from Waste. I am currently doing the electrodes, I have already cut off the carbon cloth and cut the copper wires. I currently ordered some nickel epoxy because it is used to be put on the perimeter of the cloth that way the wire can stay in its place. My question is, is there another substance I can use instead of nickel epoxy? please help. Also what effect does the nickel epoxy even do?

Hi memoxd14,

When making the electrodes for the microbial fuel cell you need to attach the copper wires to the carbon cloth with an adhesive that conducts electricity. Nickel epoxy is one kind of electrically conductive adhesive.

Another type that may work is a graphite-filled wire glue sold by Radio Shack:

http://www.radioshack.com/radioshack-gr ... S52bM5SXz4

A little searching on the internet might reveal some other options for electrically conductive adhesives.

I hope this helps and good luck with your project. Please post again if you have more questions.

A. Norman