Alanoud Alshihri

Environmental Sustainability: Using nature-based technologies to help sequester carbon and fight climate change

Started Nov. 24, 2023

Abstract or project description

As weather patterns and events change across the planet, scientists increasingly look to nature for solutions on how we might slow down or reverse the effects of Climate Change. In this pod, students will learn the scientific fundamentals of what is changing in our atmosphere, explore the current carbon capture technologies and strategies, and create recommendations for the future of carbon sequestration. Each student will write a short article to be published in a pre-print archive and on a class website.

This pod will take a one-week break the week of December 25, 2023.

The Effect Of Electrochemical Cells On Sodium Sulfate Solutions

Started Oct. 7, 2022

Abstract or project description

The purpose of this experiment is to study what happens when you split water molecules using electricity. The hydrogen gas produced can be used as renewable fuel and help slow down global warming, and conserve natural resources. During the process, an electric current from the battery will be transferred to a sodium sulfate solution and change the pH at each electrode. There will be three sub-experiments with 10 trials each to analyze the variables in the experiment including a 9-volt potential, 18-volt potential, and a sodium hydroxide solution. The pH will be measured two ways, through litmus testing paper and litmus indicator-(phenolphthalein). The independent variables will be the applied voltage and starting pH whilst the dependent variable is the pH and amount of gas produced. To ensure that there are no differences that can affect the results, the controlled variable(s) will include the sodium sulfate solution, electrodes such as nailsl, and the 9-volt battery. Considering that pH is the measure of hydrogen and hydroxyl ions, the hypothesis is that during electrolysis, pH rises at the cathode, where hydroxyl ions are synthesized, and declines at the anode, where hydrogen ions are developed. Collectively, the 18-volt battery produces almost twice as much hydrogen gas as when you use a 9-volt and produces a faster reaction. Further on, if the starting solution is made basic by adding sodium hydroxide, then there was little change of the pH observed on the cathode due to the strong alkaline solution.