Skip to main content

Alum Battery Conversion

Desired Outcomes of this Project

Convert a lead-acid battery to a lead-alkaline battery using Alum (Potassium Alum)Aluminum Sulphate). 

Description

Most batteries have a lifespan of anywhere between 5 and 10 years, depending on the manufacturer. These batteries, called SLI (Starting, Lighting, Ignition) batteries, are commonly used in cars, UPS systems, etc. for lighting and using other electrical appliances. These batteries, also popularly known as lead-acid batteries have been popular and find their place in a lot of applications in every day life. 

Advantages of Conversion

<TBD>

 

Components

The following components and chemicals are required to convert a lead-acid battery to a alkaline battery:

  • Used lead-acid battery
  • Baking soda (Sodium Bicarbonate - NaHCO₃)
  • Epsom salt (Magnesium Sulphate - MgSO4·7H2O)
  • Alum (Potassium Aluminum Sulphate - KAl(SO4)2·12H2O))
  • Distilled water
  • Funnel
  • Multimeter
  • Filter paper
  • Battery charging station
  • Lighting circuit (optional)
  • Gloves and protective eyewear (required)
Method

The process of converting a lead-acid battery to a lead-alkaline battery involves the following steps:

  1. Neutralize the existing acidic electrolyte in the lead-acid battery. 
    1. Place the battery on a flat surface and carefully unscrew the cell covers.
    2. Add 4-5 spoons of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) into each cell. This neutralizes the acid (sulphuric acid) solution in the battery. Let the battery rest for 30 minutes so that the sodium bicarbonate completely neutralizes the acid
  2. Empty the battery electrolyte of the lead-acid battery into a bucket. This needs to be disposed off safely. 
  3. Wash the empty battery with distilled water and let it dry.
  4. To convert4 the 

    liters of distilled water, mix grams of potassium aluminum sulphate and 150 grams of magnesium sulphate. Ensure that the salts are completely dissolved. 
  5. Filter this solution through the filter paper to ensure that there are no solid particles in the homogeneous solution.
  6.  Carefully pour the alkaline electrolyte into the battery cells using a funnel till each cell is full.
  7. Screw the cell covers back and clean up any 

 

Back to top