The Effects of a Cobalt-Phosphate Catalyst on the Efficiency of an Electrochemical Cell

Overview

Objectives/Goals The goal of our experiment was to test the effects of a Cobalt-Phosphate catalyst on an electrochemical cell. Methods/Materials We first used copper wiring, alligator clips, 9V batteries, and a breadboard to create a circuit. The electrochemical cell was created using metal plates as electrodes secured in a Styrofoam block where about 1/3 of the electrode was submerged in the beaker filled with Phosphate buffer. We then connected the electrochemical cell to the circuit in order to stabilize the electric current and measure the voltage of the cell. We then measured the change of voltage after adding the cobalt nitrate and determined the efficiency of the electrochemical cell. Results The average energy efficiency of the electrochemical cell increased by about 15% when cobalt nitrate was introduced to the cell. The overall highest energy efficiency of the electrochemical cell was 72.4%, 70.3%, and 72.4% for trials 1, 2, and 3 respectively. Conclusions/Discussion Our conclusion was that the cobalt-phosphate compound served as a catalyst which electroplated to the electrodes of our electrochemical cell. The catalyst dropped the required voltage to keep the same amount of current running through the circuit, thus making it more efficient.

Competition history

• CSEF 2013 Chemistry · Entry S0610

Resources

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