Electrochemistry Question regarding sulfuric cell battery charger voltage

[majorazora]

Can a car battery be used or do I need to use a car battery charger specifically? I have a 300 amp jumpstart charger but there seems to be no way to control the voltage and I know I don't want to overdo it in the cell, and this thing seems like it just goes from off to super high voltage. I do have access to a car battery but I'm not entirely sure how to control the voltage so as to keep from over doing it and making a huge dangerous mess. I am just wondering what I can do with what I have or if the device I have to use for the cell is something more specific that I do not have at the present moment?

 

[Geo]

Just a couple of things to clarify. The jumper is 12 volts, it's the amps that would be the issue. The term "reverse electroplating" is a false statement, it should be called stripping as in "stripping cell". I doubt the jumper will work. I have been toying with the idea of using an automotive battery as a power source but the amps will have to be limited. Use several 12v lamp bulbs in series with the (+) side to reduce the amps applied and add a rheostat (such as a light dimmer switch) in series with the bulbs to adjust current flow. Use a volt meter to check and make sure the amps are near 3-5 amp range for such a small cell.

 

[rickbb]

I vote no, don't use a jump starter. They deliver all the amps they can to start a car, in this case 300, that's, I don't know, 100 times more than you need in a small cell.

Now if you're setting up a small arc welder, then it would be a more appropriate use for it. I'd hate to see you send an arc though 98% sulfuric acid. :shock:

 

[resabed01]

Save the booster cables and battery pack for your car, they have no place with your cell. Find yourself a battery charger or convert a old used computer power supply to work with the cell. There are lots of threads here on properly powering and using a cell if you just look. Also, make sure you use the series lightbulb trick that Geo mentions to regulate the current.

If you plan to strip those gold plated chains in a cell you will be disappointed with the result. Once in the acid, they don't conduct electricity so chains don't strip well in a cell unless they are tumbled.

I hope you only used the coffee table to take the picture and plan to do this outside away from pets and people.