2.2.5 Transition Metals - Making Zinc Powder from Batteries

Hi guys! Although my lab is closed, I still have enough footage for two or three more videos on hand, so I can keep producing videos for a while. Today I made zinc powder by alkaline electrolysis just like what NurdRage did, but also included a novel drying and oxidation-preventing step.

[@chemistryofquestionablequa6252]

I have a whole bunch of zinc chloride I should turn into powder. I already do a lot of electrochemistry, I just didn't really think of it before.

[@ibocan1122]

nice job bro🖤
thanks

[@Daboresa]

Can we use any other fuel instead of Ethanol, let say Methanol or kerosene or anything to burn the Zinc powder

[@MIH0319]

Methanol would certainly work. Isopropanol works as well, but I would avoid kerosene. Because of its relatively high boiling point and high carbon content it might leave impurities in the zinc powder.

[@lautaromorales2903]

you know if "mu metal" can be used as an inert anode for this electrolysis?

[@EddieTheH]

I'd expect it would be even better with its nickel content.

[@MIH0319]

Yes it can. In fact, many of the common metals (iron, nickel, and in special cases copper) can be used as an inert anode in alkaline conditions. This is a very big advantage to the corresponding acid electrolysis process, which only tolerates platinum/graphite/lead anodes.

[@brombeere3832]

this method work make alum powder?

[@MIH0319]

No. Aluminium is too reactive to be deposited in an aqueous solution, so it can only made by molten salt electrolysis.