This week in Dr. Verduzco’s lab, I learned how to flowcoat electrodes using a flowcoating machine. I have attached a picture below!
Once we flow coat the electrodes, we cut them to fit the cathode and anode that we need in the picture below, and set the computer to send voltage through the electrodes in hopes of removing calcium from the water samples.
Dr. Verduzco’s lab is primarily interested in removing calcium from water samples because it can cause scaling and water fouling if left to build up over time. This is particularly important for water treatment plants because if the pipes have too much calcium build up, water will not be able to flow through the pipes as efficiently.
Which there was a “Loved” button. This sounds very interesting, I can’t wait to see what you guys are working on next. How long does it take to remove the calcium from a water sample?
It happens very quick! As soon as you turn they system on, it begins removing calcium from the water. To remove all of the initial calcium, the exact time will be dependent on the concentration of calcium in the water you are testing.
Hey Katilin!
Do you know the amount of reduction they have had so far in removing Calcium build-up? For example, do they have a goal percentage they want to meet & how successful have they been in the past?
Their goal is to remove more calcium than other ions in the water. So for example, they want to be able to remove more calcium than sodium. They have a target ratio of 10:1. So 10 calcium ions for every 1 sodium ion removed. Recently, they have averaged 4:1 but are aiming for higher selectivity.
My project is testing nanoparticles that remove the ions that
your project is working to fix as well. I guess yours is responsible for cleaning anything that the nanotech fibers and water treatments on our end miss.