FCJJ-34 Salt Water Fuel Cell Science Education Kit

Overview

The FCJJ-34 Salt Water Fuel Cell Science Education Kit demonstrates an advanced electrochemical power concept by combining a salt water electrolyte with magnesium plates to generate electrical energy. The kit lets students investigate salt water fuel cell technology by powering the included mini fan or by building their own small power applications.

This type of fuel cell works with air and a magnesium plate. At the anode, water reacts with magnesium and produces hydrogen ions, magnesium hydroxide and free electrons. At the cathode, oxygen from the air reacts with water to form hydroxide ions. The electrons move through the external circuit to the cathode, creating usable electric current. Salt acts as a catalyst and accelerates the reaction between magnesium and water.

Educational use

The kit is designed for middle school and high school education and supports learning in electrochemistry, energy, reaction rates, reaction yield, chemical reactions and solution concentration. It also connects with earth science and renewable energy topics.

Included experiments

• Create electricity from a salt water solution.
• Compare different salt concentrations.
• Analyze the effect of different water temperatures.
• Analyze the effect of different fuel volumes.

Horizon Energy curriculum

Beyond the lab equipment, the Horizon Energy curriculum provides hands-on lab activities, a teacher's guide, a student's guide and classroom resources that support inquiry-based learning.