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How to Make a Metal Catalytic Combustor

Catalytic combustors are used in wood-burning stoves to increase efficiency and reduce air pollution. They work by burning off the gas created by wood in the stove. This generates more heat and reduces the amount of harmful gas that is released into the atmosphere. Most catalytic combustors are shaped like honeycombs and made of plastic, ceramic or noble metals like palladium. Unfortunately, catalytic combustors made of such metals are more expensive than their plastic or ceramic counterparts. The process of electroplating provides a practical alternative for those seeking a metal catalytic combustor without the high price.

Things You'll Need

Plating solution for the desired metal appearance
Gloves
Goggles
Beaker
Desired metal
9-volt power source with alligator clips

Instructions

- 1
  Choose plating solution that corresponds with the type of metal you want to coat the surface of the catalytic combustor. Such material can be purchased from a retailer of electroplating supplies and accessories.
- 2
  Put on chemical-resistant gloves and splash-proof safety goggles prior to handling the plating solution. This will prevent incidental contact between the solution and the eyes or skin.
- 3
  Fill the beaker with enough plating solution to submerge the catalytic combustor. Make sure that the beaker is large enough to contain both the combustor and the metal being plated onto it, otherwise dark splotches may appear on the surface of the combustor.
- 4
  Attach the positive charge alligator clip to the metal and the negative charge alligator clip to the combustor. Situate both objects in the beaker and plug the power adapter into the nearest electrical socket.
- 5
  Allow the electroplating process to continue until the surface of the catalytic combustor resembles the desired metal.

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