It's all about synthesizing chemicals from scratch, old-school. I'll use organic form as appropriate for some acids. Note that there are a lot of ways to synthesize these things that are easier with access to appropriate chemistry beforehand. Some of them can be purchased if one desires.
LEGAL WARNING: Many of the reactions described herein are potentially dangerous if done incorrectly. Some of the chemicals used are toxic, corrosive, or both. By performing any experiments described here, you agree to hold me harmless for anything that may result
| Widely available materials | |
| Cu, Fe, Al | Wire, sheets, poles, pipes at local hardware store. |
| NaCl | Common table salt (some NaI). |
| CH3COOH | White vinegar; Photographic stop bath concentrate (may contain indicators). |
| NH3 | Anywhere cleaning products are sold, probably as 10% solution. |
| HCl | Sold at Home Depot as Muriatic Acid for pools. DANGER: approx. 8M |
| NaHCO3 | Pure Arm'n'Hammer Baking Soda |
Cu(OH)2 | |
| Synthesis: 1. If any other soluble copper salt is available, simply add a base: CuX + 2BOH -> Cu(OH)2 + XB. Use only enough base to neutralize all the Cu+2 ions, which should turn the solution clear. Otherwise, your base may complex with the Cu, eg Cu(NH3)4+2. 2. To open container of ~500mL capacity, add 300mL tap water. Using low-voltage (12 to 24V works well) DC power supply able to supply ~.5 to 1A, insert two electrodes, both copper, into opposite sides of container and secure in place. Water ionizes to H+ and OH-; The hydrogen is pulled to the cathode and is reduced to hydrogen gas. The hydroxide is pulled to the anode and forms Cu(OH)2 in the form of a gelatinous material attached to the anode. Note that electrolysis of water also occurs, and the anode becomes covered first in Cu2O and then in CuO. If the cell is allowed to run too long, this will slake off and ruin the pretty blue hydroxide; I recommend 30 minutes between removing and cleaning off the electrodes (and thus the use of sheet or pipe Cu, which are easy to clean compared to wire). Use a small implement to scoop the gel (which should float thanks to trapped gas bubbles) out; Fold a piece of paper and place in funnel to let water drain out of the goo, or use Buchner filter. Output, filtered and dried, is perhaps .1 or .2cm3 per cell per run. | |
| Warnings: Almost all copper compounds are mildly toxic to humans and extremely toxic to plants. Avoid inhaling any dust when cleaning electrodes. | |
| Notes: Copper hydroxide is quite insoluble in water (Ksp = 4.8x10-20). It is not stable at normal temperatures, breaking down to CuO and H2O. Decomposition is slow at room temperature, but will occur quickly in boiling-hot water. Absolutely do NOT add an electrolyte to increase the current, the Cu will end up reacting with it's anion instead. | |
| Waste disposal: Store in used gallon water jug or 2L soda bottle (clearly label as chemical waste), contact the local recyclers who take pesticides and used paint cans. | |