Stainless steel electrodes act as battery?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of stainless steel electrodes acting as a battery when placed in tap water and subjected to a 5V voltage difference. Despite being made of the same material, the electrodes exhibit a voltage difference due to potential variations in oxide coatings and contact materials. The consensus is that the electrodes function more like capacitors, storing charge rather than generating it through chemical reactions. The presence of different materials or oxide layers can lead to voltage generation, emphasizing the importance of material composition in electrochemical applications.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrochemistry principles
  • Familiarity with capacitor behavior and charge storage
  • Knowledge of oxide layers in metals
  • Basic concepts of thermoelectric effects
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of oxide layers on stainless steel conductivity
  • Explore the principles of capacitors and their charge retention
  • Investigate thermoelectric effects in metal contacts
  • Study electrochemical reactions in different metal compositions
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for electrochemists, materials scientists, and engineers interested in the behavior of metals in electrochemical systems, as well as anyone exploring the principles of charge storage and voltage generation in conductive materials.

Windzero
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
I have two probes. They consist of a stainless steel cylinder inside another, one held by epoxy and one held by acrylic. I can measure a voltage difference between them. I have placed them in tap water and applied a 5V difference across them then disconnected the voltage. The problem is that they act as a battery and hold a charge and then slowly dissipate the charge. I can understand this happening if the two cylinders were made of different metals, but they are the same. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I'm assuming that you mean they act like a capacitor? A battery produces voltage through a chemical reaction. It sounds like your cylinders are merely holding a charge between them like a capacitor.
 
If there is any difference in the composition of the 2 steel cylinders you will see a voltage generated. If there is a difference in the oxide coatings of the cylinders you will see a voltage generated. Stainless steel is protected by a thin oxide layer. Also if there is a difference in the composition of the materials that the cylinders are in contact with you will see a voltage generated. Basically unless the cylinders are exactly alike and in contact with materials that are exactly alike you will see a voltage generated. You might even be generating a voltage from the probes coming in contact with the cylinders either chemically or through thermoelectric processes.

Just because they're made out of stainless steel doesn't mean they can't participate in chemical reactions.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Question re electrochemical marking of stainless steel
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Undergrad Potential difference between a battery's terminal and Earth ground
  • · Replies 58 ·
2
Replies
58
Views
6K
Potential across a battery cell change ion concentrations and electron flow
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Voltaic cell + battery in series
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad How a Battery creates a Potential difference in an electrical current
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
6K
Undergrad How is Potential Difference Created across a Resistor?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
Battery school project assistance
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Graduate Electromotive Force, Batteries, Resistors, and Potential Differences
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Undergrad An attempt to understand the associated variable conventions in circuits
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Graduate An electrolytic capacitor keeps charging by itself
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K