Solar cell in a drinking straw

In association with The Solar Spark at the University of Edinburgh

No comments

Make a photoelectrochemical cell in a straw using drinking draws and raspberries

In this experiment you will be making a solar cell in a drinking straw. You will be using the good light-absorbing properties of raspberry juice to capture electricity from sunlight, using some nice straightforward chemistry.

The solar cell in a drinking straw is a great way of allowing students to make their own solar cells out of cheap and readily accessible materials in their own school lab. The mechanism behind the solar cell is similar to that used in a Dye-Sensitised Solar Cell (DSSC) but uses different electrolyte and electrode materials to demonstrate the concept.

A 45-60 minute activity.

Downloads

Solar Cell in a Drinking Straw Instructions
Experiment | PDF, Size 0.42 mb
Solar Cell in a Drinking Straw Teachers' Notes
Experiment | PDF, Size 0.28 mb

Download all

Additional information

This resource was developed by The Solar Spark at the University of Edinburgh

No comments

The Solar Spark - solar energy resources

1
The Solar Spark - solar energy resources
2
Hand battery
In association with The Solar Spark at the University of Edinburgh
3
Anodising titanium
In association with The Solar Spark at the University of Edinburgh
4
Solar technology
In association with The Solar Spark at the University of Edinburgh
5
The impact of solar power
In association with The Solar Spark at the University of Edinburgh
6
The Tyndall effect
In association with The Solar Spark at the University of Edinburgh
7
Solar cells and circuits
In association with The Solar Spark at the University of Edinburgh
8
Make a Grätzel cell
In association with The Solar Spark at the University of Edinburgh
9
Make your own spectroscope
In association with The Solar Spark at the University of Edinburgh
10
Currently reading
Solar cell in a drinking straw
In association with The Solar Spark at the University of Edinburgh
11
Solar cells and absorption
In association with The Solar Spark at the University of Edinburgh
12
Chlorophyll fluorescence
In association with The Solar Spark at the University of Edinburgh
13
Energy Card Sort
In association with The Solar Spark at the University of Edinburgh
14
Mixing colours
In association with The Solar Spark at the University of Edinburgh

Level

Use

Specification

Republic of Ireland
- Junior Cycle
  - Science
    - Chemical world
      - Systems and interactions
        6. Investigate the properties of different materials including solubilities, conductivity, melting points and boiling points.
    - Earth and space
      - Energy
        2. Research different energy sources; formulate and communicate an informed view of ways that current and future energy needs on Earth can be met.

Resource
Public Lab - a DIY environmental public science community
2014-07-03T13:25:00Z
Public Lab is a DIY environmental public science community. You can purchase inexpensive kit - such as a build your own spectrometer.
Exhibition chemistry
Creating a supersaturated gas evolving oscillator
2023-06-05T09:26:00Z
Use this fizzy practical for a kinetic and thermodynamic showdown in class
Feature
The science behind sustainable home insulation
2023-04-17T06:45:00ZProduced with support of The Worshipful Company of Horners, by Hayley Bennett
Are plastics the best option for saving energy in our homes, as well as saving the planet?

No comments yet

You're not signed in.

Only registered users can comment on this article.

More Resources

Resource
The aspirin story | 16–18 years
Find out about the discovery and use of aspirin with this research and presentation task for groups of 16–18 year-old learners
Resource
Thin-layer chromatography and analgesics | 16–18 years
Explore the use of painkillers and their other effects: antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic. Includes kit list and safety instructions.
Resource
The preparation of 2-hydroxybenzoic acid | 16–18 years
Heat, react, convert and separate oil of wintergreen to create 2-hydroxybenzoic acid. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

The Solar Spark - solar energy resources

Solar cell in a drinking straw

Downloads

Solar Cell in a Drinking Straw Instructions

Solar Cell in a Drinking Straw Teachers' Notes

Additional information

The Solar Spark - solar energy resources

The Solar Spark - solar energy resources

Hand battery

Anodising titanium

Solar technology

The impact of solar power

The Tyndall effect

Solar cells and circuits

Make a Grätzel cell

Make your own spectroscope