Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
DIY carbon battery cell using NO METALS! Build a rechargeable carbon-carbon battery from recycled materials, test solar charging, and power real electronics with this experimental homemade battery project.
In this video, I take salvaged carbon rods from old zinc-carbon batteries and attempt something different — a fully carbon-carbon rechargeable battery cell. Using simple, nearly free materials like rainwater, alum, and recycled components, the goal is to create a battery that mimics lead-acid behavior but without metal electrodes.
You’ll see the full teardown, build process, solar charging setup, and most importantly — a real-world test powering a temperature and humidity display. The results are surprising and open up possibilities for low-cost, long-lasting DIY energy storage.
If you're into homemade batteries, off-grid power, solar charging, or experimental electronics, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Chapters
0:00 The idea behind a carbon-carbon battery
0:18 Salvaging carbon rods from old batteries
1:35 Why carbon electrodes could outperform metals
2:40 Extracting and testing the carbon rods
3:19 Designing a zero-cost battery cell
3:50 Adding rainwater and alum electrolyte
4:24 Improving electrolyte performance
4:45 Initial voltage test
4:54 Solar charging setup using recycled panels
5:30 Charging results and expectations
5:59 Voltage jump after charging
6:28 Can it power a real device?
6:47 Running a temperature & humidity sensor
7:21 Performance and early conclusions
7:45 Final thoughts on a metal-free battery
You can find my books on Amazon -young adult and sci-fi
Such as:
Fixing Time - amazon.com/Fixing-Time-Mark-Vaughan-ebook/dp/B07YQCZ162
The Beacon/ The Beacon 2 -amazon.com/Beacon-Battle-Nuclear-Creek-Combined-ebook/dp/B084Q37TKV
The Agaileia Trilogy - amazon.com/Agaileia-Trilogy-Mark-Vaughan-ebook/dp/B07ZN76B19
Agaileia vs Sherlock Holmes - amazon.com/Agaileia-Sherlock-Holmes-Mark-Vaughan-ebook/dp/B087N6HM5S
A Question Of Worth - amazon.com/Question-Worth-Mark-Vaughan-ebook/dp/B082PJFTZG
Audiobooks that I have narrated on Audible.com include-
The Light You Don't See
audible.com/pd/The-Light-You-Dont-See-Audiobook/B0GL4XVLLS
Incredible Insects!
amazon.com/Incredible-Insects-Astonishing-Mind-Blowing-Everything/dp/B0G2759QVY
and
audible.com/pd/Incredible-Insects-Audiobook/B0G278FMS6
Enjoy my Playlists -
Wireless Electricity: youtube.com/watch?v=yYoYyuR1KuI&list=PLIhGrBMUdssWpFSLW1hznwNqXWpCxhDRQ
Electronics Projects: youtube.com/watch?v=F4nfaYkGvQI&list=PLIhGrBMUdssWLQWtW4dWWGgh25XG3HXek
Solar Projects: youtube.com/watch?v=nmKfxI4MTTs&list=PLIhGrBMUdssXu9Pmduvopm02_7IMz8d3M
Reviews: youtube.com/watch?v=8jAJysXXsw8&list=PLIhGrBMUdssUYzRgA1mrp18zwpTtClmov
💼 Business and reviews email:
youtube.scoop273@passinbox.com
#DIYBattery
#HomemadeBattery
#Solarbattery
DIY carbon battery cell using NO METALS! Build a rechargeable carbon-carbon battery from recycled materials, test solar charging, and power real electronics with this experimental homemade battery project.
In this video, I take salvaged carbon rods from old zinc-carbon batteries and attempt something different — a fully carbon-carbon rechargeable battery cell. Using simple, nearly free materials like rainwater, alum, and recycled components, the goal is to create a battery that mimics lead-acid behavior but without metal electrodes.
You’ll see the full teardown, build process, solar charging setup, and most importantly — a real-world test powering a temperature and humidity display. The results are surprising and open up possibilities for low-cost, long-lasting DIY energy storage.
If you're into homemade batteries, off-grid power, solar charging, or experimental electronics, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Chapters
0:00 The idea behind a carbon-carbon battery
0:18 Salvaging carbon rods from old batteries
1:35 Why carbon electrodes could outperform metals
2:40 Extracting and testing the carbon rods
3:19 Designing a zero-cost battery cell
3:50 Adding rainwater and alum electrolyte
4:24 Improving electrolyte performance
4:45 Initial voltage test
4:54 Solar charging setup using recycled panels
5:30 Charging results and expectations
5:59 Voltage jump after charging
6:28 Can it power a real device?
6:47 Running a temperature & humidity sensor
7:21 Performance and early conclusions
7:45 Final thoughts on a metal-free battery
You can find my books on Amazon -young adult and sci-fi
Such as:
Fixing Time - amazon.com/Fixing-Time-Mark-Vaughan-ebook/dp/B07YQCZ162
The Beacon/ The Beacon 2 -amazon.com/Beacon-Battle-Nuclear-Creek-Combined-ebook/dp/B084Q37TKV
The Agaileia Trilogy - amazon.com/Agaileia-Trilogy-Mark-Vaughan-ebook/dp/B07ZN76B19
Agaileia vs Sherlock Holmes - amazon.com/Agaileia-Sherlock-Holmes-Mark-Vaughan-ebook/dp/B087N6HM5S
A Question Of Worth - amazon.com/Question-Worth-Mark-Vaughan-ebook/dp/B082PJFTZG
Audiobooks that I have narrated on Audible.com include-
The Light You Don't See
audible.com/pd/The-Light-You-Dont-See-Audiobook/B0GL4XVLLS
Incredible Insects!
amazon.com/Incredible-Insects-Astonishing-Mind-Blowing-Everything/dp/B0G2759QVY
and
audible.com/pd/Incredible-Insects-Audiobook/B0G278FMS6
Enjoy my Playlists -
Wireless Electricity: youtube.com/watch?v=yYoYyuR1KuI&list=PLIhGrBMUdssWpFSLW1hznwNqXWpCxhDRQ
Electronics Projects: youtube.com/watch?v=F4nfaYkGvQI&list=PLIhGrBMUdssWLQWtW4dWWGgh25XG3HXek
Solar Projects: youtube.com/watch?v=nmKfxI4MTTs&list=PLIhGrBMUdssXu9Pmduvopm02_7IMz8d3M
Reviews: youtube.com/watch?v=8jAJysXXsw8&list=PLIhGrBMUdssUYzRgA1mrp18zwpTtClmov
💼 Business and reviews email:
youtube.scoop273@passinbox.com
#DIYBattery
#HomemadeBattery
#Solarbattery
