Activated Carbon/ Graphite Electrodes DIY. David S. Soriano

 

                                        On "You Tube", you will find an instructional video on preparing activated carbon electrodes on polystyrene.  This is one approach that will work.  Styrofoam is placed in acetone solvent to remove the air molecules and created a suspension of the styrofoam entrained with solvent. It is contacted with activated carbon and squeezed dry, placed in parchment paper and pressed for 48 hrs to yield the conducting material. It can be cut with scissors.  It can then be ironed with a fine mesh steel current collector to yield a functional electrode.

 Cayrex has many fine instructional videos which I recommend.

However, I do not use the above method.  Acetone is flammable and a lot of dust is generated.

I use "acrylic caulking (containing silicone) / caulking gun:

 

 

                               With caulk and activated carbon/ graphite , I create a thick paste which I smear on parchment paper and 6-ton press for one hour:

                   I will attempt to heat press a current collector on a section of the above hardened paste in a day or so.

                                  The middle electrode (above) has a fine steel screen pressed in with a "tortilla" hot plate ( two 10 second heat presses.  Be sute the electrode is sandwiched between parchment paper sections to avoid sticking.   It works!

                                          Use an iron if that is available.

 

 

I like the caulking approach to avoid the solvent and dust.