Experimental Study of Electrical Energy Generation Using a Simple Aluminum-Carbon Electrochemical Cell in Saline Solution

Abstract

This study investigates the feasibility of electrical energy generation using a low-cost aluminum–carbon electrochemical cell operating in a saline electrolyte. The experimental setup consisted of aluminum foil as an anode, a carbon rod as a cathode, and a NaCl aqueous solution. Electrical performance was monitored over a three-week period through voltage and current measurements. The system produced an initial open-circuit voltage of up to 20 V and was capable of powering a low-power load. However, the output current remained limited (0.015–0.033 A), significantly restricting practical applications. Strong voltage fluctuations were observed, particularly during morning measurements, with a minimum voltage of 5.8 V, attributed to electrode degradation and electrolyte depletion. Despite these limitations, the system demonstrates potential for educational purposes and low-power backup applications. The integration of a battery storage system improved supply continuity. The study highlights both the feasibility and intrinsic limitations of rudimentary aluminum-based electrochemical energy systems.