1. Chemistry 12 --- Electrochemistry

2. 1. What is a fuel cell? Electrochemical cell Chemical energy Electrical energy Hydrogen is the most common fuel

3. 2. How does it work?

4. The anode reaction: 2H 2 (g) + 4OH - (aq) 4H 2 O(l) + 4e - The cathode reaction: O 2 (g) +2H 2 O (l) + 4e - 4OH - (aq) The overall reation: 2H 2 (g) + O 2 (g) 2H 2 O(l)

5. Individual fuel cells very small amounts of electricity Placed in series Electricity, water, heat and, and other emissions (NO 2 )…

6. 3. Why Fuel Cells? Pollution free Operates silently High efficiency 70%-80% vs 35% Never goes dead

7. 4. Why not Fuel Cells? Corrode quickly Constant maintenance Cells expensive Quite large

8. 5. Applications Automobiles

9. Bus

10. Boats

11. Submarines

12. Space Capsule

13. 6. References Students Workbook http://en.wikipedia.or g/wiki/Fuel_cell http://auto.howstuff works.com/fuel- efficiency/alternative -fuels/fuel-cell.htm