A Study of Aluminum-Copper Batteries
General description of the project
The research project investigates the properties of alluminum-copper batteries. In this work we developed batteries based on household items that are easily accessible. We made a primitive aluminum-based battery that can generated output voltage more than 5.0 V with the use kitchen utensil aluminum foil or recyclable Chipotle bowl metal cover. We studied the effects of pH, electrolytes, longevity, and combination style, respective, and optimized our prototype battery stack. For immediate use, the resultant battery with 5.0+ V output voltage can power the LED lights, electrolysis of water, and recharging another consumed commercial battery. Other portable batteries are being developed from our Al-Cu battery
Technologies
The battery we used for this research relies on a redox reaction. For this project we are turning towards the redox reaction of Aluminum (Al) and Oxygen (O) within galvanic cell batteries. Also typically referred to as Aluminum Air batteries, The Aluminum-Copper batteries used in this project was created and tested in the attempt to find an alternative battery that can function efficiently enough for any minor or major function. The geological abundance of aluminum metal, a recyclability, and rapid mechanical recharge ability are extra benefits of this battery. The Al-Cu battery can be used as a hybrid with other systems and higher performance can be achieved. Very small battery sizes can be created, and these batteries can be combined to form a system. This choice depends entirely on the system being used and on the amount of energy required. If Al-Cu battery is developed, this battery can be used in a variety of fields such as electric vehicles, technological devices, health devices, military devices, and communication devices.
Explain project results
This is a project that is part of a program that seeks out students who want to involve themselves with scientific research. The program (DOED MSEIP) advisies students of minority groups or women to participate. The program helps these students by pairing them with an experienced professor to create a research project and persue greater steps in their field. This includes going to conferences to present the research or research awards.
Why it should be considered best practice?
Though impressive Al-Cu Batteries are still in a phase of early development, where they can be greatly improved and someday become a more viable option for several devices. In this research project a rudimentary Al-Cu battery will be constructed with commonly acquirable items to demonstrate their ease of manufacturing; calculate and record their capacity, voltage, and current; as well as create a comparison battery at a smaller size to analyze the ability for the Al-Cu battery to be used in common devices.
Highlights of your proposed presentation
The project is a proof of concept, a pilot study. The materials used where explicitly common and of lower quality to create a baseline standard of quality to improve upon. Though we can say that the project has demonstrated a greatly curious question as to the extent of the potential of the Al-Cu battery. A battery with an even smaller size could create similar results demonstrated here, but to a greater extent. Though that is just my belief, the data collected during this project makes that seem possible. However, that would need to be tested in a more advanced environment where better materials can be used and tests can be performed.
The Evaluation Committee will evaluate submitted proposals based on the following criteria. Each area will be rated on a scale from 1 to 7 (1= non-satisfactory; 7 =outstanding), for a maximum of 63 points.