Sciencemadness Discussion Board

How to build a Cell with Diaphragma?

Amoled - 26-9-2018 at 12:15

I want to build a Electrolysis Cell with a Membrane, so Ions can't get from the anode to the cathode...
Seen some U-Tubes, but these just have like 50ml capacity.... is there anything I can built myself, with capacity of 500-2000ml?

MrHomeScientist - 26-9-2018 at 12:32

Probably depends on what you're electrolyzing. I was able to use an unglazed clay flower pot as a membrane for electrolysis of salt water. NaOH formed in the flower pot, and chlorine water formed in the outer container.

macckone - 26-9-2018 at 16:33

As mrhomescientist stated, it depends on the substance.

Flower pots are popular.
You can also use polyethylene vacuum bags.
There is gelatin as well as agar agar.

Technically these are diaphragm cells and not membrane cells.

For a true membrane you need nafion or similar membrane.
These are not cheap.

BardFaulknerBrockis - 12-12-2018 at 17:37

Sometimes a gel or a resin is used as the membrane. Care needs to be taken to ensure that the gels or resins are not reactive with the materials involved.

On how to build a Divided EC Cell...? Use glassware with ground glass joints for most cells. A simple combination of glassware can fulfill your needs. For instance: 2x2Liter E. flasks with vacuum take off can be be connected to form an air tight EC Cell. These need to have ground glass joints to allow for 2 ports each (the current flow and gas collection. I would recommend the use of two separate containers and not just a divided cell in one container.

Don't forget sintered glass as a viable option.