Hydrogen fuel cells are a clean energy technology that generates electricity through the electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water as an emission. This text delves into the workings of fuel cells, including their components, the electrochemical process, and the detailed chemical reactions involved. It also explores the diverse applications of fuel cells in various sectors and discusses the benefits and challenges associated with their use. The potential of hydrogen fuel cells to contribute to sustainable energy solutions is highlighted, emphasizing the need for innovation in hydrogen production and storage.
Show More
Hydrogen fuel cells are a form of clean energy technology that produce electricity through the electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen
Anode, Cathode, and Electrolyte Membrane
A hydrogen fuel cell is composed of an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane, which work together to produce electricity
Hydrogen fuel cells emit no greenhouse gases or pollutants, making them an environmentally friendly energy source
Hydrogen fuel cells operate on redox reactions, where oxidation occurs at the anode and reduction at the cathode
Half-Reactions
The chemical reactions in a hydrogen fuel cell involve two half-reactions: the oxidation of hydrogen at the anode and the reduction of oxygen at the cathode
Overall Cell Reaction
When the half-reactions are combined, the overall cell reaction is the direct conversion of hydrogen and oxygen into water and electricity
Fuel cells can power a variety of applications and differ from batteries in that they produce electricity as long as fuel and oxidant are supplied
Hydrogen fuel cells offer numerous advantages, including zero pollutant emissions, independence from electrical grids, and scalability
Safe Storage and Transportation of Hydrogen
One of the challenges of hydrogen fuel cells is the safe storage and transportation of hydrogen, which is highly flammable
Methods of Hydrogen Production
The current methods of hydrogen production, often from fossil fuels, can diminish the environmental advantages of fuel cells
00
______ fuel cells generate electricity via an electrochemical reaction between ______ and ______, with only ______ as the emission.
Hydrogen
hydrogen
oxygen
water
01
Anode reaction in hydrogen fuel cells
At the anode, H2 molecules split into protons and electrons.
02
Proton migration in hydrogen fuel cells
Protons move through the electrolyte to the cathode.
