(Photo Credit: Elsie esq)
Combustion reactions are only one means of extracting useful energy from fuels. Over the years, scientists all over ther world have explored the possibility of converting the chemical energy of fuels directly to electricity.
They call this new possibility as “Fuel Cell” – A chemical cell in which reactants (usually a fuel and oxygen) are continuously supplied to produce electricity directly.
The most common type of fuel cell is the Hydrogen-Oxygen Fuel Cell which is used as a source of electrical power in many spaceships and vehicles.
A Hydrogen-Oxygen Fuel Cell is indeed a Chemical Cell and consists of 2 electrodes – a positive electrode (Cathode) and a negative electrode (Anode).
At the Cathode: O2(g) + 2H2O(l) + 4e- –> 4OH-(aq)
At the Anode: 2H2(g) + 4OH-(aq) –> 4H2O(l) + 4e-
Overall reaction: O2(g) + 2H2(g) –> 2H2O(l)
As you can see from the overall reaction, it involves the conversion of hydrogen and oxygen gas to water. This is similar to Combustion of Hydrogen.
Now, a very quick question for you.
Question:
What is the advantage (s) of using a Hydrogen-Oxygen Fuel Cell?
PS: I would love to hear from you. Cheers!
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adv renewable source disadv. storing problem
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sean Reply:
May 6th, 2010 at 12:57 am
well done. It is indeed difficult to store hydrogen to make it commercially viable.
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The advantage of fuel cell is that it is a reneable source of energy and does not pollute the environment.
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sean Reply:
May 6th, 2010 at 12:58 am
Yes heeko. You are right!
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one advantage of using hydrogen-oxygen cell is that as long as hydrogen and oxygen are present, there’ll always be electricity. so, it sort of saves energy is it?
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sean Reply:
May 6th, 2010 at 12:58 am
Hi Thilda,
See my answers above.
Rgds,
Sean Chua
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it will first of all provide a large amount of energy, it is also environment friendly and a small volume can provide a significant amount of energy without polluting the environment……………..
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advantage:
Hydrogen-oxygen fuel is a clean fuel as water which is not harmful is produced.
disadvantage:
hydrogen is extracted from cracking of petroleum fraction which is a finte natural resource.
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