2057 How To Make The Homemade Battery You May Have Been Waiting For

Summary

In this video, the creator demonstrates how to build a simple, homemade zinc-iodine battery using easy-to-source materials like zinc, iodine, and potassium iodide. The video explains the chemistry behind the battery, its high energy density (422 Wh/kg), and the practicality of using graphite or carbon fiber for electrodes. The creator emphasizes the benefits of accessibility, low cost, and simple construction, while also addressing challenges like self-discharge and dendrite formation. Despite its low voltage, this DIY battery offers a viable alternative to traditional batteries, ideal for those looking for an affordable and sustainable energy storage solution.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video explores the concept of 'hairy batteries,' focusing on iodine, bromine, and chlorine as potential materials for battery chemistry.
• 😀 Zinc bromide is a common material used in such batteries, but it's hard to acquire in small quantities. An alternative, iodine, is easier to obtain and affordable.
• 😀 Iodine, when combined with potassium iodide in water, forms a solution called Lugol's solution, which is easy to prepare and widely available.
• 😀 The basic components of the zinc-iodine battery include Lugol's solution, potassium iodide, iodine, and a simple graphite or carbon fiber electrode.
• 😀 The video demonstrates a simple homemade zinc-iodine battery that operates at about 1.2 volts and delivers 100 milliamps of current.
• 😀 A major advantage of zinc-iodine batteries is their higher energy density (422 Wh/kg), which surpasses lithium-ion batteries (100-150 Wh/kg).
• 😀 Zinc-iodine batteries can be made with cheap and readily available materials, making them an accessible option for DIY energy storage.
• 😀 Zinc iodide forms when zinc reacts with iodine in the battery, causing the solution to turn clear, indicating depletion of the zinc electrode.
• 😀 The issue of self-discharge in zinc-iodine batteries can be mitigated by simply removing the zinc electrode when not in use, a method also proposed for magnesium and aluminum batteries.
• 😀 The video emphasizes the simplicity and effectiveness of the construction process, allowing for the creation of functional batteries with minimal expertise and resources.

Q & A

What is the primary topic discussed in the video?

The video discusses the concept of homemade zinc-iodine batteries, focusing on the materials used (such as iodine, potassium iodide, and zinc) and the process of creating a functional battery with readily available and inexpensive materials.

Why was bromine considered initially for the battery, and why was it not used?

Bromine was considered initially because zinc bromide is relatively easy to obtain as it is a commodity chemical used in oil drilling. However, the difficulty in obtaining small quantities of zinc bromide led the speaker to switch to iodine instead.

What are the key materials required for the zinc-iodine battery?

The key materials for the zinc-iodine battery are iodine, potassium iodide, zinc, and graphite or carbon fiber for electrodes. These materials are relatively cheap, easy to obtain, and safe to handle.

How does iodine behave in water when combined with potassium iodide?

When iodine is added to a solution of potassium iodide in water, it dissolves easily and forms a triiodide, resulting in a Lugol solution. This process allows iodine to dissolve in water, something it does not typically do on its own.

What is Lugol solution, and why is it significant in this context?

Lugol solution is a mixture of iodine and potassium iodide in water. It is significant because it allows iodine to dissolve in water, making it usable in the zinc-iodine battery. Lugol solution is also listed by the World Health Organization as an essential medicine.

What role does zinc play in the battery construction?

In the zinc-iodine battery, zinc acts as the negative electrode. It reacts with iodine to form zinc iodide and releases energy during discharge. Zinc is also important in the process of charging and discharging the battery.

What is the function of the terracotta pot in the battery?

The terracotta pot is used as a separator or membrane in the battery to prevent the zinc from directly reacting with the iodine solution on the other side, thus preventing short circuits and dendrite formation.

How is self-discharge prevented in the homemade zinc-iodine battery?

Self-discharge is prevented by removing the zinc electrode when the battery is not in use. This mechanical disconnection stops the reaction between zinc and iodine, which would otherwise lead to self-discharge.

What are the challenges associated with recharging the zinc-iodine battery?

The main challenge with recharging the zinc-iodine battery is the formation of zinc dendrites during the recharge process. These dendrites can cause issues, but the use of a terracotta pot helps to mitigate this problem by preventing dendrites from penetrating to the other side of the battery.

What is the energy density of the zinc-iodine battery, and how does it compare to lithium-ion batteries?

The zinc-iodine battery has an energy density of around 422 watt-hours per kilogram, which is significantly higher than lithium-ion batteries, which typically hover around 100-150 watt-hours per kilogram. This makes the zinc-iodine battery a more energy-dense option.