Chemistry Electrochemistry
1. What is a fuel cell? Electrochemical cell Chemical energy Electrical energy Hydrogen is the most common fuel
2. How does it work?
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)
Individual fuel cells very small amounts of electricity Placed in series Electricity, water, heat and, and other emissions (NO 2 )…
3. Why Fuel Cells? Pollution free Operates silently High efficiency 70%-80% vs 35% Never goes dead
4. Why not Fuel Cells? Corrode quickly Constant maintenance Cells expensive Quite large
5. Applications Automobiles
Bus
Boats
Submarines
Space Capsule
6. References Students Workbook g/wiki/Fuel_cell works.com/fuel- efficiency/alternative -fuels/fuel-cell.htm