ELECTROLYTIC AND FUEL CELLS MADE WITH ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS FOR THE TEACHING OF ELECTROCHEMISTRY

The proposal addresses the electrochemical experimentation as a pedagogical instrument for the integral and dynamic student involvement, facilitating the teaching-learning process. The experimental proposal focuses on the conversion of electrical energy to chemical energy and vice versa. The experiments for the two simultaneous energy conversions were designed with simple, easily accessible and inexpensive reagents and materials. The production of hydrogen and oxygen gases in the electrolytic cell, and the consumption of these same gases in the fuel cell, exploits the non-spontaneous and spontaneous electrochemical semi-reactions, respectively, that occur at the anode and cathode. Hydrogen gas production is crucial to the development of fuel cell technology. To facilitate the identification of anodic and cathodic reaction, and the monitoring of electrochemical decomposition of water, black bean extract was used as an alternative indicator. The electrochemical reactions involved in energy conversions are considered fundamental in the teaching-learning process of basic concepts related to water electrolysis and the recombination of hydrogen and oxygen gases. The experiment also corroborates the elucidation of alternative ways to generate electricity to meet the current needs of modern society.