The EChemPen: A Guiding Hand To Learn Electrochemical Surface Modifications

Abstract

International audienceThe Electrochemical Pen (EChemPen) was developed as an attractive tool for learning electrochemistry. The fabrication, principle, and operation of the EChemPen are simple and can be easily performed by students in practical classes. It is based on a regular fountain pen principle, where the electrolytic solution is dispensed at a tip to locally modify a conductive surface by triggering a localized electrochemical reaction. Three simple model reactions were chosen to demonstrate the versatility of the EChemPen for teaching various electrochemical processes. We describe first the reversible writing/erasing of metal letters, then the electrodeposition of a black conducting polymer ?ink?, and finally the colorful writings that can be generated by titanium anodization and that can be controlled by the applied potential. These entertaining and didactic experiments are adapted for teaching undergraduate students that start to study electrochemistry by means of surface modification reaction

Wireless Electronic Light Emission: An Introduction to Bipolar Electrochemistry

“…Unfortunately, teaching electrochemistry to undergraduate students can be difficult. Therefore, original ways of teaching electrochemistry are crucial from a pedagogic point of view, and several unusual approaches are already available in the literature. − We propose in this contribution a complementary playful way of teaching some important notions of electrochemistry, using experiments based on so-called bipolar electrochemistry (BPE). BPE differs from conventional electrochemistry in terms of both, concept and applications. , It is a wireless process in which asymmetric electrochemical reactions occur simultaneously at the two extremities of a single conductive object called a “bipolar electrode”. − These reactions are remotely controlled by varying, across an electrolytic solution, the electric field to which the bipolar electrode is exposed.…”

Colorimetric Hydrogel from Natural Indicators: A Tool for Electrochemistry Education

“…The concept of using electrochemistry for producing text has been reported by others. 2 , 15 , 16 The emphasis of the method reported in this paper has been on the electrolysis of water with the key factors being a safe and environmental friendly experiment. The reactions both at the cathode and at the anode can be performed without any special equipment, space, or ingredients.…”

“…The concept of using electrochemistry for producing text has been reported by others. 2,15,16 The emphasis of the method reported in this paper has been on the electrolysis of water with the key factors being a safe and environmental friendly experiment.…”

Electrochemistry with Simple Materials to Create Designs and Write Messages

“…The use of electrochemical reactions to write messages is a classic experiment that has found much use in the chemistry classroom. − In such experiments, a battery or other external power source is used to drive nonspontaneous chemical reactions that result in color changes, and these color changes are used to write notes and messages. For example, a metal wire acting as a cathode can reduce water, generating a hydroxide ion: …”