Majari Magazine

Chemiformers: lab cars go green!

by Alvin Octory Atmojo on 30/03/08 at 11:34 pm | 21 Comments | |

Chemiformers. This green lab car operates using electrochemical cell which consists of magnesium and lead oxide as the electrodes and sulfuric acid as the electrolyte.

What is Chem-e-Car?

Chem-e-Car is an annual college competition for students majoring in Chemical Engineering held in Malaysia. Students must design small-scale automobiles that operate by chemical means, along with a poster describing their research. During the competition, they must drive their car a fixed distance in order to demonstrate its capabilities. In addition to driving a specified distance, they must also hold a payload of 0-500mL of water. The exact distance (15-30m) and payload is given one hour before the competition. The size of designed cars cannot exceed a specific defined size and cars must operate using “green” methods, which do not release any pollution or waste in the form of a visible liquid or gas, such as exhaust. To operate the car using “green” method, it can be used electrochemical cell, fuel cell, solar cell, pressure, and etc. A new learning opportunity is emerging, in which the competition can help students to confront another reality safety an area of instruction where some teachers admit the current curriculum often falls short. The competition may help jump-start students’ expertise in safety. The event gives chemical engineering students the opportunity to work in teams and apply their knowledge of chemistry, physics, and thermodynamics.

How Chemiformers work?

The Chemiformers operate using electrochemical cell which consists of magnesium and lead oxide as the electrodes and sulfuric acid as the electrolyte. In the process of the reaction, electrons move from magnesium to lead oxide through an electrically conducting path as useful electric current. This result generates energy to move the motor which connected to the well of the car and thus moves the car. The car will continue move until the magnesium strip is fully dissolved into the solution.

Reaction

Anode : Mg_(s) + SO₄^2-_(aq) + 2H⁺_(aq) -> MgSO_4(s) + H_2(g) + 2e^-
Cathode : PbO_2(s) + SO₄^2-_(aq) + 4H⁺_(aq) + 2e^- -> PbSO_4(s) + 2H₂O_(l)
Overall : Mg_(s) + 2SO₄^2-_(aq) + PbO_2(s) + 6H⁺_(aq) -> MgSO_4(s) + PbSO_4(s) + H_2(g) + 2H₂O_(l)

Features and Safety

Inside the Chemiformers, the reaction occurs instantly as soon as the circuit is completed, giving a very minimal start-up time in the process. Additional to the zero release of pollution in the form of a visible liquid or gas, Chemiformers also uses economical-recycled materials which make it a complete environmentally-friendly lab cars. Chemiformers may be operated in ease with design considerations in the safety factors. The reactant tank is spillage and leakage free designed from material that strong enough to hold acids. The byproduct of Chemiformers is hydrogen which is earth-friendly gas.

Chemiformers. Additional to the zero release of pollution in the form of a visible liquid or gas, Chemiformers also uses economical-recycled materials which make it a complete environmentally-friendly lab cars.

The Competition

Chemiformers was one of two teams that represent Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in the competition. The team members are Ahmad Sharifudin Hashim, Shafika Zulkepli, Siti Noor Leela Selamat, and Alvin Octory Atmojo, an Indonesian student that currently continuing his bachelor study in UKM Malaysia. Chemiformers was also the winners of the Chem-E-Car competition at UKM level, held at the Engineering Faculty in September 2007. The competition, an annual event, was organized by the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) and held at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang. UKM won the Special Award, secured second place in the Car Competition and first place in the Poster Presentation in the competition.