Electrochemistry with Simple Materials to Create Designs and Write Messages

Abstract

An activity is described in which items found around the home are used in electrochemical experiments to create messages and artistic designs. To do so, a battery is connected to wires fashioned out of aluminum foil. When these wire electrodes are touched to a paper towel soaked in fluids obtained from household cleaners or disinfectants, the resultant redox reactions cause color changes on the paper towel. For example, the reduction of water at a cathode can cause a blue color to develop on a paper towel soaked in foam cleaner that contains thymolphthalein, and oxidation of iodide ions at an anode can produce a black color on a paper towel soaked in decolorized iodine. The experiments are very simple to set up and carry out; produce striking visual results; and relate to concepts in electrochemistry, acid–base chemistry, and thermodynamics. As such, the activity may be tailored for use in settings that range from outreach events to general- and analytical-chemistry courses.

Color 3D printing of pulped yam utilizing a natural pH sensitive pigment

“…In terms of pH, the electrolysis method is an effective technique to adjust the pH of materials containing water [23], [24], [25], [26]. Wu, et al reported that electrolysis can change the pH of a hydrogel resulting in a color reaction of phenolphthalein in the hydrogel [27].…”

Colorimetric Hydrogel from Natural Indicators: A Tool for Electrochemistry Education

“…1 Some classic experiments and demonstrations on the subject include writing messages and designing art by exploiting the electrolysis of water. 2 Many excellent examples on how to create laboratory work and how to visualize the products using color changes have been published frequently. Some of the examples have used electrolysis of water for demonstrating the chemical composition of water and/or for illustrating the redox reactions using color changes, 3 − 7 while others have developed microscale laboratory exercises.…”

“…The concept of using electrochemistry for producing text has been reported by others. 2 , 15 , 16 The emphasis of the method reported in this paper has been on the electrolysis of water with the key factors being a safe and environmental friendly experiment. The reactions both at the cathode and at the anode can be performed without any special equipment, space, or ingredients.…”

“…Its applications can be found in batteries, accumulators, fuel cells, study of the corrosion process, and industrial-scale production of important metals like aluminum . Some classic experiments and demonstrations on the subject include writing messages and designing art by exploiting the electrolysis of water . Many excellent examples on how to create laboratory work and how to visualize the products using color changes have been published frequently.…”

“…In this work, we have combined the teaching of pH and electrochemistry inspired by reported methods from others, − focusing here on showing the wonders of everyday chemistry. In this paper, we describe the design of an environmentally friendly setup of a writing board utilizing the electrolysis of water in a hydrogel environment.…”