Date of Graduation
5-2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Department
Chemical Engineering
Advisor/Mentor
Lutz-Rechtin, Tammy
Committee Member/Reader
Walters, Keisha
Committee Member/Second Reader
Foley, Kayla
Abstract
This thesis explores the construction, characterization, and application of anodic zinc batteries for powering a small electric motor for the ChemE Car competition. Two zinc galvanic cell batteries were studied: zinc-carbon and zinc-air batteries. Prototype batteries were constructed and tested for voltage, amperage, and power production. In the zinc-carbon trials, a 3:1 mixture of manganese dioxide and graphite was determined to be the best cathode for power production. The size which allowed for sufficient power while maintaining the smallest footprint on the car was a zinc can six cm tall and two cm in diameter. Analysis of paper zinc-air battery prototypes showed insufficient voltage and amperage to power the motor. However, significant advances were made in the zinc-air battery assembly. Mixing zinc-air battery ink components with a ball mixer produced 192% more power. Additionally, novel ionic polymers and an ionic liquid were tested for use as electrolytes for increasing paper battery power production. The ionic polymers were more conductive than dry 3M NaCl impregnation in the battery membrane but less conductive than wetted 3M NaCl.
Keywords
Batteries, zinc, carbon, galvanic, cathode, anode
Citation
Veach, A. (2023). Battery Design, Construction, and Characterization for Small Motor Use Focusing on Anodic Zinc for Electron Flow. Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/cheguht/192