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FUEL CELLS (DESIGN (2 compartments = hydrogen & oxygen, compartments =…
FUEL CELLS
fuel cell = type of galvanic cell BUT don't run down = continuous supply of energy
reactants not stored in cell = must be continuously supplied from external source
chemical -> electrical energy
EFFICIENCY
40-60% efficient
waste heat produced = steam = heating = efficiency up to 85%
hydrogen economy = prinicpal source of energy is hydrogen
reduction in greenhouse gases / pollutants
DESIGN
2 compartments = hydrogen & oxygen
compartments = separated by 2 porous electrodes & electrolyte
electrode at hydrogen compartment = anode
electrode at oxygen compartment is cathode
catalysts can be used to increase rate of reaction current produced from cell
platinum metal= commonly used as catalyst at anode
cathode catalyst = increases rate of reduction half-reaction = e.g. nickel / nano-material
electrolytes = KOH, H3PO4, Na2CO3, MgCO3 (molten carbonate salts)
HYDROGEN
zero-emissions b/c water is only product
steam reforming = steam reacts with fossil fuel at high temp. in presence of nickel catalyst.
steam reforming = produces CO2 emissions
