ABSTRACT

This study focused on the use of

the fruits of Gmelina arborea as a
biodegradable electrolyte in the
construction and design of an
electrochemical battery. Design
considerations include the electrode
combination, the surface area of the
electrode, and the amount of the

PROTOTYPE TESTING PICTURES

electrolyte. Battery characteristics
such as the self-discharge, capacity,
battery current, and service life were
also evaluated. To identify how voltage Gmelina arborea is a medium
and current is produced in the cell, a sized tropical deciduous tree native to
sample of Gmelina arborea was Bangladesh, Cambodia, Thailand, India
subjected to Fourier Transform and Philippines. It is a prolific seeder
Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). The even at a juvenile age of three to four
results revealed that the majority of years; it is considered a drought and
the electrolyte is comprised of OH fire resistant species (Florido and
stretch carboxylic acid suggested by Cornejo, 2002)
the broad peak 3300-3500 𝑐𝑚−1
detected using attenuated total
reflectance for two trials. The The tree is locally known as
dissociation of carboxylic acid into H+ Yemane, Melina, or Gmelina. The
and O- ions made the solution ionic straw-colored wood is one of the best
which allowed current flow from the utility timbers of the tropics, where it is
anode (copper) to the cathode used in light construction, general
(magnesium). The constructed battery carpentry, packaging, furniture,
was able to charge low power gadgets particle board, plywood, and matches.
such as a Pocket Wi-Fi with a Lithium The wood produces average yields of
Polymer Battery Limited Charge paper with properties superior to those
Voltage of 4.2V, and a rechargeable from most hardwood pulps. Its leaves
mini fan, rated at 5V, 0.5A. It was also can be used as fodder, and its flowers
able to light up a 1Watt LED bulb. produce abundant nectar from which
high-quality honey is produced (Kijkar,
n.d.).