A solid-state “dry” cell using PEG-3350 as the electrolyte/electret matrix. Typical open-circuit voltage ~1.5 V (often rising toward ~2.0 V after conditioning), with low current suitable for long-life experimental cells and pulse-driven tests.
⚠️ Safety First
Wear gloves/eye protection when handling powders (e.g., copper oxide). Avoid inhalation/ingestion of any materials.
These are low-voltage cells, but stacked modules can present higher voltages: fuse, insulate, and enclose appropriately.
If heat-conditioning the matrix, use low temperature and never leave an oven unattended.
What It Is (Concept)
Solid-state electrolyte: PEG-3350 forms a stable, non-liquid medium that can transport charge carriers in a dry matrix.
Electret behavior: With gentle heat and poling during cool-down, the matrix can “lock in” polarization (electret-like), boosting cell potential.
Tunneling & fields: Dry matrices can show field-assisted transport; sharp pulses often enhance the effect (useful for experimental pulse charging).
Materials
PEG-3350 powder (primary solid matrix).
Two electrodes (non-corrosive plates/rods; different conductivities recommended).
Distilled water (just a few drops to start a paste).
Mix a thick paste. Add a few drops of distilled water to PEG-3350; aim for a stiff, gel-like paste.
Load the mold. Pack the paste into a small non-conductive cup. Insert the two electrodes so they don’t touch and remain stable.
Air-dry. Leave at room temperature until the matrix firms (typically ~24 h). Measure open-circuit voltage (OCV).
Condition as an electret (optional, recommended). Warm gently until soft, then connect a 9-V battery across the electrodes (desired polarity). Move the assembly to a freezer for ~30 min to “lock in” polarization. Re-check OCV.
Seal & label. After conditioning, label polarity, encapsulate or cap the cup to reduce humidity swings.
Variants (Performance Tweaks)
Mineralized PEG
Add a tiny amount of sports-electrolyte to the PEG paste. This can increase ionic availability and capacitive behavior.
Under slow reverse pulsing, some cells exhibit stronger response or light self-oscillation.
PEG + Copper Oxide (CuO)
Blend PEG with CuO (e.g., ~1:1 by volume for small test cells). The composite dries tougher and often holds voltage better over time.
This mix tends to respond well to reverse-polarity pulse stimulation.
How To Use / Test
Measure OCV: Expect ~1.2–1.6 V initially; up to ~2.0 V after conditioning (cell-dependent).
Pulse stimulation: Try gentle, low-frequency square-wave pulses (including brief reverse pulses) and observe changes in output.
Loads: Start with LEDs, ultra-low-power clocks, or charge small capacitors. Current is typically in the mA or sub-mA range per cell.
Scaling Up (Stacks)
Series for voltage: Add cells in series to increase output volts (e.g., 10 cells × 1.5 V ≈ 15 V OCV).
Parallel for current: Parallel identical series strings to raise current capability. Include balancing and fusing.
Pulsed operation: Stacks tend to perform best with pulse conditioning or intermittent loads rather than steady heavy drains.
Troubleshooting
Low or drifting voltage: Re-condition as an electret (warm → pole with 9 V → freeze). Consider CuO variant.
No response to pulses: Reduce frequency; verify polarity; ensure good electrode contact and intact matrix.
Cracking/brittleness: Mix slightly wetter next time; the CuO blend usually dries sturdier.
Note: This is an experimental, energy cell exploring solid-state electrolyte and electret behavior. Document your builds carefully.
