The fuel cell consists of two electrodes between which electrical contact is established by means of an electrolyte. Oxygen or just plain atmospheric air is fed continuously to the cathode and the fuel is fed continuously to the anode. As with ordinary cells a number of fuel cells may be connected to form a battery. With ethanol as the fuel the matter becomes somewhat more complicated, since ethanol is oxidized in steps to ethanal, ethanoic acid and carbon dioxide respectively. In an ideally working fuel cell we assume that ethanal and ethanoic acid are further oxidized so that the only carbon compound of the overall process is carbon dioxide.
Plastic can burn.
To get good results, very careful measurements are required. Be sure to wear suitable eye protection. 2 pieces of nickel net cut to cover the flanges of the syringe cylinders approx. The net should be as finely meshed as possible. You will use one of the 200 x 200 mesh and one of the 200 x 600 mesh net - again check with your TA as to whether you will be using one fine and one coarse mesh, both fine meshes or both coarse meshes.