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DIY Aluminum Air Batteries

Air batteries generate power through the use of salt water and a conductive metal such as aluminum. The salt water acts as a conduit for free electrons generated when the metal interacts with oxygen. These electrons are then transferred to the cathode, such as steel wool. Consequently, a circuit is created that allows the air battery to generate voltage. Knowing how to do this is a unique way to power small objects or to conduct fun science experiments.

Things You'll Need

Beaker
Table salt
Water
Metal stirrer
Aluminum foil measuring 2 square feet
Needle
Steel wool
Alligator clip leads
Paper towel

Instructions

- 1
  Pour 60 grams of table salt into the beaker, then add 300 milliliters of water. Using the metal stirrer, mix the solution until the salt dissolves into the water.
- 2
  Bunch the aluminum foil into a ball and poke several holes through it using the needle. Fluff the steel wool until it is slightly larger than the opening of the beaker.
- 3
  Attach the negative charged alligator clip to the foil and the positive charged alligator clip to the wool.
- 4
  Pack the aluminum foil into the bottom of the beaker. Create a barrier between the foil and wool by covering the foil and negative charged alligator clip with the paper towel.
- 5
  Place the steel wool inside the beaker and press it down as tight as possible.

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