摘要：A simple electrochemical device (ammeter) has been developed to perform the electrolysis of water (2 H2O → 2 H2 + O2) for the purpose of hands-on instruction for chemistry courses at the middle and high school levels. In contrast to the ‘historical’ experiment – which involves the use of glass barometers, expensive platinum wire and strong acids – the present experiment utilizes inexpensive polypropylene tubes, nickel wire and a safe pH 7 electrolyte. The present device includes an easy-to-control potentiometer to regulate the electrolysis and an ammeter to monitor the current, which is incorporated onto a printed integrated circuit board for ease of assembly. The kit can also drive the electrolysis with a hobby solar panel that generates sufficient current for water electrolysis under 1-sun illumination. We developed lesson plans based on water-splitting for secondary education to integrate sustainable energy into modules teaching stoichiometry and the ideal gas law (introductory level), as well as electrochemistry at the advanced placement level – thus improving the scope and depth of the lesson. The lesson plans also emphasize aspects of renewable energy, solar energy and the topic of precious versus earth abundant elements. The electrolysis kits have been utilized to date by more than 30 instructors (in schools) in southern California and central Texas, spanning both intermediate and secondary schools. The kit also provides a mechanism for interaction of high school students and other young learners with university faculty, staff and STEM-promoting organizations.
关键词：Solar fuels; Water splitting; Electrochemistry; High school; Energy literacy; Chemical education
