An Educational Module to Explore what is the Role of an Electrolyte in an Electrochemical cell
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An Educational Module to Explore what is the Role of an Electrolyte in an Electrochemical cell
Christian Menéndez 1, Liz Díaz-Vázquez 2, Ana-Rita Mayol 2,3,4 and Carlos R. Cabrera 2,4 1
University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, Chemistry Graduate Program, San Juan, PR 00931-3346 USA 2 University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, Department of Chemistry, San Juan, PR 00931-3346 USA 3 Institute for Functional Nanomaterials, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, San Juan, PR 00931-3346 USA 4 Center for Advanced Nanomaterials, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR 00931-3346
ABSTRACT A general chemistry experiment has been adapted in which electrochemical principles in fuel cells are applied to the curriculum, thus bringing research into the classroom. It is well documented that students struggle in understanding redox reactions, in particular when applied to an electrochemical cell. There are three basic concepts needed to analyze these energy devices: anode, cathode and electrolyte. In the proposed experiment, undergraduate students explored the role on an electrolyte in an electrochemical cell. Inquiry based methods were used to introduce the experiment. Explanations of fundamental electrochemical concepts involved in fuel cells were introduced to the students with pre- and post-laboratory activities and experimental results discussions. The lesson for the experiment “role of an electrolyte in an electrochemical cell” was planned to improve students’ technological skills and application of knowledge acquired in daily life. The battery was made using household materials: zinc, copper and napkin paper soaked in different electrolyte solutions. Students correlated the voltage of the cells with the substances being used in the experiment and classified these as strong electrolyte, weak electrolyte or non electrolyte. A variety of assessment tools were designed and incorporated during the experience to probe students understanding in the main topics and to identify the struggles during their learning process.
INTRODUCTION Electrochemical techniques have many applications on the study of the composition of different materials and how these are used to improve mankind. Electrochemical techniques are relevant in hydrogen evolution and anodization processes among others [1].
Electrochemistry is an essential topic of the Chemistry curriculum and one of particular difficulty for undergraduates. Electrochemical concepts are needed to explain phenomena in daily life like batteries, combustion and other areas of science [2]. The main application of electrochemistry is in the development of devices for energy applications. Researchers and educators have developed material about batteries and fuel cells [3] in order to introduce electrochemistry in the curriculum. Electrochemistry has been ranked by students and teachers as one of the most complex topics in the curriculum even in secondary school chemistry [4]. The most commonly reported misconceptions in the area of electrochemistry are the ionic conduction,
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