Materials:
MnO2 Voltmeter
NH4Cl Beaker
Zn strip Connecting wires
Pencil (sharpened on both ends) Alligator clips
Deionized water
Procedure:
1. The electrolyte paste for this dry cell is generated in a beaker by mixing
86.0 g MnO2 and 53.5 g NH4Cl in 36 mL of deionized water.
2. Using the pencil and zinc strips as electrodes, connect the positive
terminal (red wire) to the sharpened pencil tip and the negative terminal
(black wire) to the zinc strip. Once the electrodes are connected, a
voltage close to 1.5 V should be produced.
Discussion:
Safety: Wear proper protective equipment including gloves and safety glasses
when preparing and performing this demonstration. MnO2 is a strong oxidizing
agent.
References:
Kozawa, A.; Powers, R. A. J. Chem. Educ. 1972, 49, 587. (discussion on MnO2
reduction pathway)