Water to Fuel to Water

[deleted-550151]

I understand that the project is examining water's usefulness as a renewable energy source, but what variable should be tested? Like, for my hypothesis: I think that if I test.... then this will happen.... What is being tested?

[deleted-540265]

The experiment I assume you are referring to is "Water to Fuel to Water".
On the procedure, step 9 explains the data and how you should analyze it:
1) Using Equation 4 and the information in Technical Note #2, calculate the final efficiency of the electrochemical cell with the cobalt-catalyst.
2) Compare the original efficiency of the cell calculated in step 3 to the final efficiency. How much does the cobalt-based catalyst increase the efficiency of the electrochemical cell?
3) How quickly did the cobalt-catalyst form?
4) Plot the rate of increase in efficiency for the number of times you repeated step 6. Was the rate of efficiency increase constant?

The independent variable is the presence of the cobalt catalyst, because you compare the efficiency of the cell before and after the catalyst is added. The efficiency of the cell after the calculations is the dependent variable. If you need more help on independent or dependent variables, feel free to leave a reply or consult the Science Buddies guide.

As a side note, the experiment is intensive and should be done after taking a chemistry class before. Make sure to observe safe cleaning habits and have an adult helping you.
Good luck!

[deleted-550151]

Thank you for your help.

I had another question involving how to make this project unique. So I know how this certain project is focusing on if the cobalt catalyst will increase the efficiency of the electrolysis on the water splitting process. After all of course the cobalt nitrate catalyst will increase the efficiency since the "catalyst" is something that will "speed" up the reaction.

So in the "Make it Your Own" part of the project they suggested to test different "metal" catalyst and see which one is more efficient. I was wondering if it is possible to test a metal, biological, and chemical catalyst and how you would do it within this project.

Thanks.

[deleted-540265]

Do you have any ideas for what biological or chemical catalysts you might use? I'd suggest you use the suggested nickel, iron or manganese salt compounds as others may be dangerous.

[deleted-550151]

Do you have any ideas for what biological or chemical catalysts you might use? I'd suggest you use the suggested nickel, iron or manganese salt compounds as others may be dangerous.

So it turns out that I won't be able to use the cobalt nitrate in my experiment. What could i substitute it with?

[deleted-540265]

Were you unable to use it because you couldn't get it or because the experiment failed?
Some substitutions are the Nickel, Manganese, or Iron salts. The "Make it your own" tab offers working alternatives, though results are purposefully made to vary.

[deleted-550151]

No, one I couldn't get it from anywhere before my due date. I'm using manganese oxide. Do you think that will work?

[deleted-540265]

All the suggested metals should work with varying levels of efficiency