Zach Medcalf Brings Electrochemistry to the St Louis City Museum

I recently had the opportunity to host an engaging and interactive lesson on electrochemistry and electron-transfer reactions at the Saint Louis City Museum on September 30, 2023. The goal of the event was to teach the participant about electrochemistry and electron-transfer reactions while at the same time providing them with a lesson about why we make things and how electrosynthesis (and synthetic chemistry in general) allows us to probe the world around us. The preparation for the event involved designing three main steps for the participants to complete to learn more about electrochemistry. 

First, the participants were guided on how to build voltaic pile batteries using zinc and copper washers. They then would use a multimeter to measure the quality of the battery they made and measure the resulting current or potential it could produce. This hands-on activity allowed them to grasp the basics of how to make an electrical current. 

Next, they would use the generated electrical current to make a radical cation from tris-4-bromophenylamine. By connecting carbon electrodes to the battery and placing them in a solution containing the amine, it would lose an electron generating a bright blue color, indicative of the radical cation. 

Third, the reaction is quenched using ground up Vitamin C tablets. Once added, the blue color immediately would disappear. This shows that Vitamin C is an anti-oxidant, which means it gives back electrons to neutralize the radical cation. In a more advanced discussion, we would explore the concept of oxidation reactions and the role of oxidants in biological systems. Through this experiment, the student participant discovered how oxidants can be harmful to our bodies by damaging DNA. 

The evaluation outcomes of the lesson were greatly positive, and the participants eagerly engaged in the activities. Reflecting on the event, I am pleased with the overall turnout to the event. The hands-on nature of the lessons was well-received by those who stopped by. I would like to express my gratitude to the Saint Louis City Museum for providing the venue for the event. Without their support, this outreach project would not have been possible.