Homemade bismuth plating by galvanic displacement from bismuth subsalicylate tablets: a chemistry experiment for distance learning

This paper presents a student-designed one-pot electroless deposition of Bi extracted from a Pepto Bismol® tablet by galvanic displacement of the Zn coating of a galvanized iron nail. This experiment relies on a readily accessible and reasonably safe method and materials and it has been used during the present COVID pandemic as a hands-on activity with higher education students (i.e., Junior and Senior Chemical Engineering students). Its simplicity should allow its use with High School students as well. The entire procedure can be completed in 30–45 min.