Burning facial tissue and corroding graphite rods of recycled batteries: two simple experiments in preparation of nanomaterials

Abstract

This report presents two hands-on activities for high school students that focus on the preparation of nanomaterials in a relatively simple manner. Carbon dots (CDs) were chosen as a demonstration. The article is categorised into two parts. The first part roughly performs the same work as a previous publication by Jumeng Wei, in which ultrasonication was utilised to cleave paper ash. Furthermore, we also attempted to use magnetic stirring or even hand stirring as an alternative method. The second section offers a perspective on the use of an electrochemical method to prepare CDs using graphite rods from recycled batteries. In the scope of this article, instead of using high-analysis techniques to prove the availability of CDs at the nanoscale, our work aims to illustrate green, sustainable physics and demonstrate the way that synthetic physicists utilise waste materials via practical education. The designed experiment suggests an integration between physics and chemistry that might be used for the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics experience of high school students.