Introduction
Through this science experiment, we will try to test or find out a catalytic solution that would increase the rate of absorption of carbon dioxide in the basic solutions. We are performing this experiment because, in today’s world, greenhouse gases increase global warming. Therefore it is necessary to find an effective way to capture carbon dioxide.
Aim
To test a catalytic solution that would increase the absorption rate of carbon dioxide in the basic solution.
Theory
1. Catalysts are used to slow down or speed up a reaction.
2. We believe that the research on catalysts will play an important role in helping the productivity of solution absorption.
3. Naturally occurring enzyme, which is carbonic anhydrase, is very effective in the dehydration and hydration of carbon dioxide in the body. Cu-TETA resembles this catalyst, and therefore this experiment has been conducted to check its effectiveness.
4. The azamacrocycle in which four nitrogen atoms in a fourteen membered ring are assembled at 1,4, 8, and 11 and are substituted with a carboxymethyl group is called TETA.
Requirements
1. Cu-TETA (1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-1,4,8,11-tetraacetic acid) catalyst
2. Potassium Carbonate Solution
3. Notebook
Procedure
Step 1: Prepare a solution of potassium carbonate and a Cu-TETA catalyst. By this, we will determine the efficiency of this catalyst.
Step 2: Compare the potassium carbonate solution with the solution created in step one.
Step 3: To check the absorption of carbon dioxide, both the glasses flowed span glasses (with a 14% concentration of carbon dioxide) from the gas tank to the flask with a round bottom.
Step 4: After collection, using a graphical comparison for an increased rate, analyze its pH drop.
Step 5: Record your observations.
Observation
1. We observed that Cu-TETA was more effective than the control in the absorption of carbon oxide.
2. We found that Cu-TETA was able to decrease the pH up to 14%. This is faster than the control (just the solution of potassium carbonate), which was able to decrease the pH by 12% only.
3. Cu-TETA was also able to increase the pH drop rate by 15%.
4. We also compared Cu-TETA with the enzyme, and we found that the enzyme was better, which was able to decrease the pH by up to 20% and increase the pH drop rate by 72%.
5, Therefore, we concluded that there is still a lot of difference between the naturally made enzyme and man-made catalyst as naturally made enzymes are more efficient in absorbing carbon dioxide.
Conclusion
1. The curve of Cu-TETA declined at a faster rate, and also, the increase happened at a smaller rate than expected. This is the reason why it has not qualified in our experiment for mass production.
2. Cu-TETA was effective in increasing the rate of pH drop, which automatically refers to the increase in the rate of absorption of carbon dioxide but did not completely mimic the naturally made enzyme. Therefore a lot of research on man-made catalysts should be performed to make them more effective.
Precaution
1. Handle the catalyst with care.
2. Draw the graph with efficiency.
VIVA Questions With Answers
Q.1 What was the aim of your experiment?
ANS. We aimed to find an effective way to capture carbon dioxide by testing a catalytic solution that would increase the absorption rate of carbon dioxide in the basic solution dioxide.
Q.2 Is Cu-TETA as effective as a naturally made enzyme?
ANS. No. Cu-TETA is less effective than naturally made enzymes and requires a lot of research.
Q.3 What was the increased rate of pH drop in your experiment with the catalyst?
ANS. Catalyst increased the rate of pH drop by 15%.
Saquib Siddiqui is a Mechanical Engineer and a content creator. He has special interest in science experiments and teaches the same to school and college students. He is also a technical lead at RUDE LABS PVT. LTD.
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