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Step 5Constructing the electrodes
Layers of copper/galvanized steel mesh
carbon paper
Copper Mesh Swatches from TWP Inc.
Almost any conductive metal mesh such as window screen mesh. I'm particularly excited about investigating the role of galvanized steel and zinc mesh. The most efficient MFC electrodes use a very expensive platinum or titanium catalyst. However zinc is so closely associated with effective energy transfer that it be very interesting indeed.
In this case both electrodes will be constructed using the same technology, layers of carbon paper interlaced with layers of wire mesh. The carbon paper layers are slightly smaller in size than the mesh layers. Copper wire is soldered to the exposed wire mesh around the edge.
Wire mesh layers should be placed on the outside to contain the carbon paper and maintain integrity of the electrodes in the mud or sand. The assembly should be tight to ensure good connectivity between the carbon and mesh layers plus circulation of media and water.
Apply solder liberally around the outside edge to ensure the best connectivity between the layers.
Once the electrodes have been assembled the exposed metal mesh should be protected with a good coating of hot glue.
Now we will insert the electrodes into the caps for later assembly into the MFC.
Drill a small hole in the center of one of the caps and a larger 1/4" hole off to the side. Pass the electrode wire through the small hole leaving the electrode to dangle where it will be approximately centered in the jar. Seal the wire hole with hot glue.
Push a length of air through the hole long enough to reach to the bottom of the cathode jar. Insert the air stone into the tube and seal. Seal the hole around the tube with hot glue or epoxy.
This assembly is called the cathode top and electrode.
Take the lid for the other jar. Pass the wire from the second electrode through that, also placed so that it hang approximately in the middle of the jar. The bacteria culture fed by the vinegar should thrive in the de-gassed water and it should not be necessary to bury the electrode in the mud.
Now that the sub-assemblies are complete we are ready to put our MFC together and fire it up.
carbon paper
Copper Mesh Swatches from TWP Inc.
Almost any conductive metal mesh such as window screen mesh. I'm particularly excited about investigating the role of galvanized steel and zinc mesh. The most efficient MFC electrodes use a very expensive platinum or titanium catalyst. However zinc is so closely associated with effective energy transfer that it be very interesting indeed.
In this case both electrodes will be constructed using the same technology, layers of carbon paper interlaced with layers of wire mesh. The carbon paper layers are slightly smaller in size than the mesh layers. Copper wire is soldered to the exposed wire mesh around the edge.
Wire mesh layers should be placed on the outside to contain the carbon paper and maintain integrity of the electrodes in the mud or sand. The assembly should be tight to ensure good connectivity between the carbon and mesh layers plus circulation of media and water.
Apply solder liberally around the outside edge to ensure the best connectivity between the layers.
Once the electrodes have been assembled the exposed metal mesh should be protected with a good coating of hot glue.
Now we will insert the electrodes into the caps for later assembly into the MFC.
Drill a small hole in the center of one of the caps and a larger 1/4" hole off to the side. Pass the electrode wire through the small hole leaving the electrode to dangle where it will be approximately centered in the jar. Seal the wire hole with hot glue.
Push a length of air through the hole long enough to reach to the bottom of the cathode jar. Insert the air stone into the tube and seal. Seal the hole around the tube with hot glue or epoxy.
This assembly is called the cathode top and electrode.
Take the lid for the other jar. Pass the wire from the second electrode through that, also placed so that it hang approximately in the middle of the jar. The bacteria culture fed by the vinegar should thrive in the de-gassed water and it should not be necessary to bury the electrode in the mud.
Now that the sub-assemblies are complete we are ready to put our MFC together and fire it up.
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