Princeton University

On July 31st Craig Arnold taught students about the history and chemistry behind batteries and ultracapacitors. He then challenged attendees to build a battery using household materials.  A volt-ohm-meter was used to test them for the highest voltage. Then he used a computer-based potentiostat to analyze the characteristics of the best battery.  The best one was made of a lemon, a nail, and a penny.  The galvanized nail worked as a zinc electrode, the penny as a copper electrode, and the lemon pulp and juice provided the acid electrolyte.