University Chemistry ›› 2025, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (1): 67-74.doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202403004

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Design of a Series of Fundamental Electrochemical Experiments

Tao Zhang1, Meng Zong1, Bokai Ling1, Heng Rao2, Yi Yan1, Kaijie Chen1   

  1. 1 School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China;
    2 State Key Laboratory of Inorganic Synthesis and Preparative Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
  • Received:2024-03-03 Accepted:2024-04-02 Published:2025-01-06
  • Contact: Yi Yan, Kaijie Chen E-mail:yanyi@nwpu.edu.cn;ckjiscon@nwpu.edu.cn

Abstract: Electrochemical technologies, such as energy storage, electrochemical CO2 conversion, and hydrogen production through water electrolysis, are crucial for helping our country achieve its dual carbon goals. Additionally, electrochemistry is a core concept in high school and university-level chemistry, including inorganic and physical chemistry. To enhance students’ understanding and application of electrochemical knowledge, we have designed a comprehensive series of electrochemical experiments. These experiments include the assembly of a galvanic cell, copper electroplating on an iron nail, hydrogen evolution corrosion of zinc, and the cathodic protection of an iron nail. They cover key electrochemical principles such as galvanic cells, electrolytic cells, and electrochemical corrosion. Observable phenomena like voltmeter readings, color changes, and bubble formation are used to indicate the reactions. The experiments are designed to be clear, reproducible, and easy to perform, thereby deepening students’ comprehension, enhancing their practical skills, and sparking their interest in chemistry. This series of experiments can serve as demonstration experiments in high school chemistry classes and as part of the laboratory curriculum for first- and second-year undergraduate students in non-chemistry science and engineering majors.

Key words: Electrochemistry, Fundamental experiments, Galvanic cell, Electrolytic cell, Electrochemical corrosion