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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2007  > February  >
In the Laboratory
An Undergraduate Laboratory Experiment Using a Simple Photoassisted Fuel Cell To Remediate Simulated Wastewater
Faiza Touati and Kevin G. McGuigan
Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland

John Cassidy
School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and FOCAS, Dublin Institute of Technology, Dublin 8, Ireland
Cover
February 2007
Vol. 84 No. 2
p. 299

Abstract
A carbon electrode coated with a TiO2/PVC composite is used to demonstrate a light-assisted fuel cell. Initially in a dilute solution of formic acid the current in a cyclic voltammetry experiment is shown to be enhanced when the electrode is exposed to a 60 W tungsten bulb. When a similar electrode is linked in a fuel cell configuration along with an air electrode, there is an enhancement of current on exposure to the same light source. Finally the system can be used to mineralize a dilute solution of formic acid, which is used as a model compound for an environmental pollutant.
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Citation
Touati, Faiza; Cassidy, John; McGuigan, Kevin G. J. Chem. Educ. 2007 84 299.
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Keywords
Electrochemistry; Environmental Chemistry; Laboratory Instruction
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
1/9/2007
2/16/2007
 Caution! 
Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations.
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