Solar cell in a drinking straw

In association with The Solar Spark at the University of Edinburgh

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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

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Additional information

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

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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
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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