Electricity Generation Using a Zinc–copper Electrochemical Cell with Saltwater Electrolyte

Abstract

The increasing demand for clean, affordable, and sustainable energy has encouraged the exploration of alternative methods of electricity generation for domestic consumption. This study investigates the feasibility of harnessing electricity from sodium chloride (NaCl) and water (H₂O) using electrochemical principles; It is important to note that the energy produced in this system originates primarily from electrode reactions, specifically the oxidation of the more reactive metal (zinc), rather than from the saltwater itself. The saltwater serves as a conductive medium that enables ion transfer and completes the electrical circuit. When salt dissolves in water, it forms free-moving ions that enable electrical conductivity. By immersing two dissimilar metal electrodes, such as zinc and copper, in a saltwater solution, an electrochemical reaction occurs, generating a measurable electric current. Experimental results showed that a single saltwater cell produced an average voltage of approximately 0.76 V, and the voltage increased proportionally when multiple cells were connected in series. The findings indicate that while the energy output is relatively low compared to conventional power sources, saltwater-based systems are simple, inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and suitable for low-power domestic applications such as LED lighting and small electronic devices. Additionally, the study demonstrates that electricity generation from sodium chloride and water is technically feasible and holds potential as a supplementary or backup energy solution for households, particularly in rural and off-grid communities.