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Materials

How to get energy from Dirt

Start with the video, then use the science notes and recommended parts below to follow the idea behind the build.

MaterialsBuild

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How it works

What this project is testing.

A dirt battery is really a simple electrochemical cell. Moist soil acts like an electrolyte, and two different materials can trade electrons through chemical reactions.

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The experiment demonstrates that the energy is not coming from dirt as magic fuel. It comes from the difference between electrode materials, the chemistry in the soil, and how easily ions can move through the moisture.

V_{ce l l} = E_{c a t h o d e} - E_{an o d e}

Cell voltage comes from the difference between the two electrode reactions.

P = I V

The useful output depends on both voltage and current.

Recommended parts

Products used in this project.

Affiliate links may earn Keystone Science a commission. Match ratings, values, sizes, polarity, and safety requirements to your own build before buying.

DEVMO DC 3V-6V to 400kV 400000V Boost Step-up Power Module High-Voltage Generator

high-voltage power supplypower

DEVMO DC 3V-6V to 400kV Boost Step-up High-Voltage Generator Module

$10.994.4(508)

Prefer low-current educational modules over mains-powered high-voltage supplies. Review requirements and safety guidance before buying.

Amazon Basics 8-Pack 9V Long-Lasting Alkaline Batteries for Smoke Detector, Electronics & Audio, Reliable, 5-Year Shelf Life

batterypower

Amazon Basics 8-Pack 9V Long-Lasting Alkaline Batteries

$12.694.7(242K)

General electronics battery pick; choose AA/AAA variants when the circuit calls for them.

Auto Ranging Digital Multimeter TRMS 6000 with Battery Alligator Clips Test Leads AC/DC Voltage/Account,Voltage Alert, Amp/Ohm/Volt Multi Tester/Diode

multimetertest equipment

Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter TRMS 6000 with Battery, Alligator Clips, and Test Leads

$22.394.6(1,700)

Ackers High Borosilicate Glass Measuring Cup Set with Pour Spout,60ml(2OZ),120ml(4OZ), 250ml(8OZ) Glass Measuring Beaker for Kitchen or Restaurant, Easy to Read

glassfabrication

Ackers High Borosilicate Glass Measuring Beaker Set with Pour Spout

4.5(3,500)

xGarden Horticultural Grade Perlite for Plants Indoor & Outdoor, Coarse & Chunky for House Plants, Gardening & Potting Mix, Organic Soil Amendment, 8 Quarts Bulk

soil / dirtchemistry/electrical

xGarden Horticultural Grade Perlite for Plants Indoor & Outdoor, Coarse & Chunky for House Plants, Gardening & Potting Mix, Organic Soil Amendment, 8 Quarts Bulk

$17.954.7(7,300)

WireJewelry 30 Gauge 0.010 Dead Soft Copper Sheet Metal - 6x6 Inch

copper sheetmaterials

WireJewelry 30 Gauge 0.010 Dead Soft Copper Sheet Metal - 6x6 Inch

$5.664.6(329)

Iberia All Natural Distilled White Vinegar, 1 Gallon - 5% Acidity

vinegarchemistry

Iberia All Natural Distilled White Vinegar

$12.994.8(6,800)

Project files

Prints, kits, and downloads.

Diagrams, printable files, kits, or companion downloads will appear here when they are ready to use.

Coming soon

Contact

Events, speaking, collaborations, and news.

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