Part 5/8:
Examining the cathode before and after the experiment revealed intriguing differences. Initially, the aluminum surface was uniformly prepared to encourage specific electron flows. Post-experiment, however, we observed that the surface bore various markings indicative of the electrochemical reactions that had occurred. Grenier explained these features as a combination of shiny “fluff” that could represent aluminum oxide and raised structures that may indicate the formative processes of iron involved in the reactions.
Additional tests by David Butler revealed certain structures to be magnetic, hinting at underlying reactions that were not only producing observations in the present but potentially synthesizing new materials from the aluminum.