Intuitive Small-Scale Electrochemistry on 24-Well Plate and 3D-Printed Cover Yielding Accurate Results

Abstract

Experiments involving electrochemical cells are of great pedagogical value for learners of introductory chemistry. This paper discusses an improved experimental kit made from a 24-well cell culture plate and a 3D-printed scaffold. The current design focuses not only on the accuracy of the result but also on the intuitiveness of the wiring work and measurement of the cell potential. Half-cells in this kit include metal ion|metal electrodes (Ag+|Ag, Cu2+|Cu, Fe2+|Fe, Mg2+|Mg, Ni2+|Ni, Pb2+|Pb, Sn2+|Sn, and Zn2+|Zn) and gas electrodes (Cl-|Cl2|Pt, H+|H2|Pt, and O2-|O2|Pt) as well as Br-|Br2|Pt and I-|I2|Pt. Cells are combined in a series circuit to light an LED or sound a buzzer. This kit can be used to enhance teaching and learning activities involving electrochemistry at the senior secondary school and first-year university levels.