Introduction: How to Make a Copper Oxide Diode
A diode is an electrical device that allows power to travel in only one direction.
Diodes can be made of Silicon, Germanium or even copper oxide.
Note: The there is only one alligator clip connected to that wire, the other is an illusion.
Diodes can be made of Silicon, Germanium or even copper oxide.
Note: The there is only one alligator clip connected to that wire, the other is an illusion.
Step 1: Aquiring Copper
I used some copper wire 6 inches (14CM), use any fair size (22AWG or larger) copper wire with all insulation striped off.
Wash it in clean (preferably distilled) water.
Wash it in clean (preferably distilled) water.
Step 2: Making Copper Oxide
You will need alot of heat ;)
The best solution is to put it in a propane torch glowing red for a minute or two.
Hold it with pliers!
You may be able to use another heat source but the copper needs to turn red.
The best solution is to put it in a propane torch glowing red for a minute or two.
Hold it with pliers!
You may be able to use another heat source but the copper needs to turn red.
Step 3: Making the Diode
Carefully clip an alligator clip to one end and loosly wrap a piece of wire around the other end.
Avoid damaging the black/red oxide layer.
Avoid damaging the black/red oxide layer.
Step 4: TEST!
I used two AA batteries and a digital meter:
