(Photo Credit: Elsie esq)
Combustion reactions are only one means of extracting useful energy from fuels. Over the years, scientists all over the 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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This is basically what my assignment is about. Finding a viable fuel that is ‘good’ and how to synthesis it, is it safe for use and its storing capability. This included everything! But unfortunately I’ll have to keep looking for my fuel. Thanks Sean 😀
Advantage- It’s renewable. Does not pollute the environment as the product is only water.
Disadvantage- Hydrogen is available in a limited amount. Also, this is very expensive as it needs a lot of voltage. (And we can use cryolite to prevent that)
I have a question about the electrodes. Why are they exchanged? Can you please explain why Anode which is usually positive is negative here. And Cathode which is usually negative, positive here?
Hi Anirudh,
In the Fuel Cell, the energy changes is from Chemical Energy to Electrical Energy directly.
Check out the blogpost again and re-read the article.
Hope that helps!
Keep learning! and feel free to share this blog with your friends.
Cheers,
Sean Chua
What type of energy changes occur in a fuel cell?
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.
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……………..
🙂
Hi Thilda,
See my answers above.
Rgds,
Sean Chua
Yes heeko. You are right!
well done. It is indeed difficult to store hydrogen to make it commercially viable.
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?
The advantage of fuel cell is that it is a reneable source of energy and does not pollute the environment.
adv renewable source disadv. storing problem