Making an acid

[Usagi Yojimbo]

Um, I was hoping someone could help with a project I'm working on. First, I'm no chemist, although I had a basic chem class back in college, 15 years ago, I have forgotten most of it...

 

I am Ham radio operator, and I have been working on a project for my own amusement, and because the gauntlet was thrown down . I am trying to build a radio station from the ground up. This includes the power supply, which I have decided should be batteries.

 

I've researched batteries, and have got a basic idea down on what I want to do. The problem is, most of the information on making them rely on chemicals that are easy and cheap to find, which is all well and good. But in the spirit of the project is that I would make as much of system myself and that means I should make the acid myself, if its feasible. I'm only looking for 5watts of power, so I dont think I need a super cocentrated acid. I realize certain foods contain acid, but I was hoping to find a constant source that was readily available outside the citrus belt.

 

I am sorry, but I dont know enough to define my parameters any further. other than it must be doable by a kitchen sink wannabe chemist. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks, UY

[Icefire]

lemon juice?

[Newbies_Kid]

Acetic acid? but it's smell bad

[UC]

The acid in just supporting electrolyte for a battery. Any salt should work, but because chloride ion is fairly corrosive try something like sodium sulfate or trisodium phosphate.

 

I think you'll get a higher voltage out of these cells if you construct something like a copper-zinc cell with copper sulfate electrolyte. That should manage about 1V. Feel free to stack as many in series and parallel as necessary to ramp up the voltage and amperage.

 

This may interest you: http://www.periodictable.com/PopularScience/2007/02/1/Scan.small.jpg

[Usagi Yojimbo]

The acid in just supporting electrolyte for a battery. Any salt should work, but because chloride ion is fairly corrosive try something like sodium sulfate or trisodium phosphate.

 

I think you'll get a higher voltage out of these cells if you construct something like a copper-zinc cell with copper sulfate electrolyte. That should manage about 1V. Feel free to stack as many in series and parallel as necessary to ramp up the voltage and amperage.

 

This may interest you: http://www.periodictable.com/PopularScience/2007/02/1/Scan.small.jpg

 

Thank you, that was informative. At this time, I'm trying to figure out an easy chemical way to remove the copper plating from newer pennies to expose the zinc cores. Until then, Im using copper pipe and aluminum foil.

[jbu]

alum, is used to convert lead acid car batterys that are dead to alkaline battery.

do a google search for batteryconversions group.

[ppbear]

I have the same qusestion with you

[PaulS1950]

Try vinegar and salt - that will work well as an electrolyte with zinc and copper electrodes.

[MNFsoft]

search on youtube.com and if you do not want to use citruss acetic acid or viniger is always a good reliable option