Ibpointless2 Crystal Cells

[triffid]

Some materials to be used for a crystal cell .That will not react with organic acids?   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refractory
triffid

[triffid]

They are also chemically inert .  The oxides of aluminium alumina silicon silica and magnesium magnesia(MgO) are the most important materials used in the manufacturing of refractories. Another oxide usually found in refractories is the oxide of calcium lime. Fire clays are also widely used in the manufacture of refractories.Im thinking they could used for electrodes?

[triffid]

Some magnesium alloy pencil sharpeners.The blades are steel the box is the mag alloy.Or not(plastic).  http://www.thefind.com/office/info-magnesium-alloy-sharpener  triffid

[Peanutbutter29]

@ PHI, well H20 by itself is not an electrolyte.  From wiki;
"An electrolyte is any substance containing free ions that make the substance electrically conductive. The most typical electrolyte is an ionic solution, but molten electrolytes and solid electrolytes are also possible.  Commonly, electrolytes are solutions of acids, bases or salts"

Pure water is an insulator with a high K value.  Now practically, its' not useable as such since keeping water completely pure is almost impossible.  However, if it was an electrolyte, then we'd have no water;  as adding water to water would make H and O ions instead (eg. gasses).  You can see a quick paradox that is created, lol. 

Putting all that aside, yes.  There was (as shown) 32 ppm in the h20 to start;  this is the ppm after 6 stage RO/DI!!  Also, as you mention there are some chemicals in paper.  I had meant to re-check the PPM after wetting all the paper to see if it had gone up.  I would imagine it should take a little while before papers' chemicals would affect the cell.  Remember though, there are 2 paper pieces and only 1 is wet, so even if there are electrolytes;  they cannot easily reach the other metal. 

So, most technically yes, there was some molecules that were behaving as electrolytes (probably) though not the water.  Now, if we were able to test the same thing with 0ppm and say paper without chemicals;  you'd see the same volts, but possibly a small bit less current.  I would definitely not use paper in anything I wanted to last a while, heh.

But, ya.... Duluc (though only used 1 paper) DID add water to his cells when needed.  Some were daily and others (more sealed) might be weeks.  As far as I can tell though, 4-6 years of running them and there was no reported corrosion of metals.   A few people used plain water and never reported corrosion either, it seems only when they added salts (electrolytes) did they have issues.  Of course, always looking for more power;  these cells still didn't have a great use despite lack of corrosion.

Lastly, removing that extra dry piece of paper would increase current also;  however that would then result in a direct contact of moisture between metals.  Then, adding a small bit of electrolyte would even give more current;  even useable amounts, but makes a Volta.  To me though, the largest difference of old cells and new is;  the early cells had the metals touching directly.  Honestly, when I made that example the first time, I didn't know if I'd see any voltage;  but it works like they said.


SOME GOOD INFO HERE:
http://www.chemone.com/default/other/Chemical%20Incompatibility%20list.pdf

Above is a VERY NICE chemical incompatibility chart.  Shows quite a few chemicals and what they might react negatively with.  Everyone should have a look at it.

Thanks,

PS- for further evidence of the shown design being static as opposed to galvanic.......surprised no one noticed........What was the shown polarity of the Aluminum?

[triffid]

Tap water always contains something besides just water.Water treatment always leaves chlorine or flourides in the water.Even minerals may get through.Distilled water from the store is supposed to be clear of everything.Stuff could leach through from the plastic maybe.But I think not enough to affect our cells.triffid