Construction of Leclanche cell and studying its discharge properties under

various loads and temperature

PROJECT REPORT
Submitted for the course: Engineering Chemistry (CHY 1001)

By-

ADARSH RAJ 16BEC0075

ARPIT RATHI 16BCI0065

SHSHANK REDDY 16BEC0068

ANJALI SACHDEVA 16BEC0014

NALLURI VENKAT SAI 15BEC0653

MOHIT AGARWAL 16BEC0093

SOUMYAMITRA AGARWAL 16BCI0204

NEERAJ P 16BEC0091

Slot: B1+TB1

Name of Faculty: PROF. NAWAZ KHAN F

(SCHOOL OF ADVANCED SCIENCES)

April, 2017
 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the project work entitled Construction of Leclanche cell and
studying its discharge properties under various loads and temperature that is being
submitted by Adarsh Raj, Shashank Reddy, Arpit Rathi, Anjali Sachdeva, Mohit Agrawal,
Nalluri Venkat Sai, Neeraj P, Saumya Mitra Agrawalfor Engineering Chemistry
(CHY1001) is a record of bonafide work done under my supervision. The contents of this
Project work, in full or in parts, have neither been taken from any other source nor have been
submitted for any other CAL course.

Place: Vellore

Date:27/04/2017

Signature of Students:

Adarsh Raj

Arpit Rathi

Shashank Reddy

Anjali Sachdeva

Mohit Agrawal

Nalluri Venkat Sai

Saumya Mitra Agrawal

Neeraj P

Signature of Faculty:
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We would like to express our special thanks of gratitude to our professor MR. NAWAZ KHAN F who gave
us the golden opportunity to do this wonderful project on the topic (Construction of Leclanche cell and
studying its discharge properties under various loads and temperature), which also helped us in
doing a lot of Research and we came to know about so many new things I am really thankful to him.

Secondly we would also like to thanks the University Management for giving us an opportunity to carry out
these studies at the University.

Adarsh Raj 16BEC0075

Arpit Rathi 16BCI0065

Shashank Reddy 16BEC0068

Anjali Sachdeva 16BEC0014

Mohit Agrawal - 16BEC0093

Nalluri Venkat Sai 15BEC0653

Saumya Mitra Agrawal 16BEC0204

Neeraj P 16BEC0091
 ABSTRACT

Achievement of the proper functioning of the LECLANCHE CELL was the objective seeked in this project.
The final status of project was successful in making the LECLANCHE CELL showing the desired voltage.

Carbon mixed with either type of manganese dioxide lowers the electrode potential when exposed to
electrolyte. The reaction involved is probably electrochemical; it takes place with electrical connection
between dioxide and carbon instead of actual contact if these are in contact with the same electrolyte. The
reaction is explained as the release of oxygen at the carbon surface by the oxidizing action of the manganese
dioxide.
 INTRODUCTION

I. OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT

To show the working model of the LECLANCHE CELL and increase its conductivity and performance
of the cell.

II. BASIC THEORY FOR THE PROJECT

LECLANCHE CELL:
It works on the principle of electrolysis.

It is a primary electrochemical cell having a zinc anode in contact with zinc chloride, ammonium
chloride and potassium hydroxide (as a solution or a paste) as the electrolyte, and a carbon cathode in
contact with a mixture of manganese dioxide and carbon powder.

Zinc atoms on the surface of anode oxidize. As the zinc ions move away from the anode, leaving their
electrons on the surface, the anode becomes more negatively charged than the cathode. When the cell is
connected in a external electrical circuit, the excess electrons on the zinc anode flow through the circuit
to the carbon rod, forming an electric current.

After passing through the whole circuit, when the electrons enter the cathode (Carbon rod), they combine
with manganese dioxide (MnO2) and water (H2O), which react with each other to produce manganese
oxide (Mn2O3) and negatively charged hydroxide ions.

Zn(s) + 2 MnO2(s) + 2 NH4Cl(aq) ZnCl2 + Mn2O3(s) + 2 NH3(aq) + H2O

Alternately, the reaction proceeds further, the hydroxide ions reacting also with the manganese oxide to
form manganese hydroxide.
Zn(s) + 2 MnO2(s) + 2 NH4Cl(aq) + 2H2O(l) ZnCl2 + 2Mn(OH)2(s) + 2 NH3(aq)

Reaction occurring at electrodes in the cell:

At cathode: 2NH4+(aq.)+2MnO2(s)+2e- 2MnO(OH)+2NH3

At anode: Zn Zn2+ + 2e-

 METHODOLOGY

A method of making a Leclanche cell, comprising the steps of:

(a) Selecting a cathode material (porous pot) comprising manganese dioxide, carbon rod, charcoal powder.
(b) Selecting an electrolyte comprising ammonium chloride as a primary component.
(c) Selecting a zinc anode configured for use in the cell.
(d) Selecting a multimeter, a jar, and copper wires.
(e) Placing the electrolyte solution in the jar.
(f) Placing the anode material within the electrolyte.
(g) Placing the cathode material within the electrolyte.
(h) Sealing the cell to at least inhibit the ingress of air therein.
(k) Connecting anode and cathode with copper wires to the multimetermetre and getting the output.
(l) Adding potassium hydroxide and ZnCl2 to increase the conductivity of the electrolytes.
 RESULT:

The result of the project done by our team members is Successful working of LECLANCHE CELL ,
increased conductivity and the performance of the leclanche cell by adding potassium hydroxide in
ammonium chloride. The active material of high performance Leclanche cell is synthetic manganese
dioxide which may be prepared by an electrolytic or by a chemical process. The discharge behaviour of
the batteries depends on the type of material, electrodeposited or chemically prepared, used in their
manufacture. This influence appears in both continuous and intermittent discharge tests and may favour
either material. Electrodeposited manganese dioxide is generally better on continuous discharge at heavy
drain, while, for example, chemical manganese dioxide performs better on intermittent discharge in
Lec1anche electrolyte.

Solution EMF Resistance Current

NH4Cl 1.44V 1236 2.96 mA

NH4Cl+KOH 1.6V

NH4cl+Zncl2 1.5V 962 3.5 mA

KOH 1.85V
MODIFICATIONS SUGGESTED:

1. Zinc chloride (1540 %) to be used as an electrolyte

The overall cell reaction for cells using ammonium chloride electrolyte and zinc chloride electrolyte
may be represented by the following equations:

2MnO2+2NH4Cl+Zn2MnO(OH)+Zn(NH3)2
8MnO2+8H2O+ZnCl2+4Zn8MnO(OH)+ZnCl2+4Zn(OH)2
2. We can add or replace NH4Cl by KOH to get more output voltage.
3. Zinc at the anode side is being taken in excess, and hence, the discharge capacity depends on the
characteristics of the cathode such as conductivity and ability to retain the electrolyte in its matrix.
4. Furthermore, carbon powder is usually added to the manganese dioxide cathode mix in order to
improve its conductivity.

CONCLUSION:

The conclusion of this project is that PROPER WORKING OF THE LECLANCHE CELL i.e. with THE
EXPECTED VOLTAGE OUTPUT and the further increase in its conductivity and output voltages by
adding KOH.

REFERENCES:

1. W. B. Jensen, The Edison Nickel-Iron Alkaline Storage Cell, Museum Notes, July/August,
2013. Oesper Website.
2. W. B. Jensen, The Daniell Cell, Museum Notes, September/October, 2013. Oesper Website.
3. W. B. Jensen, The Grove and Bunsen Cells, Museum Notes, November/December, 2013.
Oesper Website.
4. I have been unable to locate a detailed biographical ccount for Leclanche.
5. G. Leclanche, Pile au peroxyde de manganese a seul liquide, Les mondes., 1868, 16, 532-xxx.
6. G. W. Vinal, Primary Batteries, Wiley & Sons: New York, NY, 1950, pp. 32-33.
7. Thus the 1901 edition of Catalogue of Chemical & Scientific Apparatus, Townson & Mercer:
London, 1901 lists seven brands of dry cells for sale, in as many different sizes and varieties,
whereas the 1894 edition lists none. WILLIAM B. JENSEN
8. Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/lechelange-cell
9. www.instructables.com
10. Hongmei A, Shenhao C (1998) J Power Sources 76:218

Rogulski Z, Czerwinski A (2003) J Power Sources 114:176

(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378775302006006)

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