Hey,
could you please help me?
I have a fuel cell test on Monday and I was just wondering if you had any idea what kind of questions they generally ask. It is on the hydrogen-oxygen and methanol fuel cell specifically
Also,
Would you happen to know if there are any variations in electrolytes used (if any) and chemical reasons for these variations?
I'd really appreciate any ideas
Thankyou
Hey mq123! Thanks for asking (it's been a long time since I lasted posted in the forums)
I didnt really do fuel cell for my secondary investigation on batteries, I will try my best to help you here but if you dont seem to benefit from it Im extremely sorry and I hope someone more professional can be here to provide better advices.
In direct methanol fuel cell:- Fundamental mechanism involves the exchange of protons
- Main fuel being methanol, which offers the advantage of being portable, energy-dense and chemically stable under normal temperature and pressure
- Methanol is reacted to hydrogen through steam reforming
- Common operation temperature 50 - 120 degrees celsius
- Know about how methanol cross-over reduces battery efficiency
- CO2 produces at the anode, negatively impacting the environment
-
Anode equation: CH
3OH + H
2O --> CO
2+6H[/sup]+[/sup] + 6e
--
Cathode equation: 6H
+ + 6e
- --> 3H
2-
Overall cell equation: CH
3OH + H
2O --> CO
2 + 3H
2- Know about the structure and purpose of: Oxygen flow field, anode/cathode backing, anode/cathode current collector
- Requires a continuous source of fuel and oxygen to sustain the chemical reaction, hence usually used in an ambient condition
In Hydrogen-Oxygen Cell:-
Anode equation: 2H
2 --> 4H
+ + 4e
--
Cathode equation: O
2 + 4e
- + 4H
+ --> 2H
2O
-
Overall cell equation: 2H
2 + O
2 --> 2H
2O
- Energy is released in the form of heat and electricity
- Unused H
2 is circulated/reused for maximum efficiency
- Proton exchange reaction
- Know the purpose of proton exchange membrane
- Know the catalyst used at both the cathode and anode
Common exam questions will often involve:- asking about the structure/composition of the battery
- asking about the chemistry behind the functioning of battery (I.e. need to state anode and cathode equations, overall equation and the working process that leads to redox reaction)
- asking about the impact of the battery on society and environment
- asking about the applications/practicality of the battery, advantages and disadvantages
- asking about cost and compare this cost to the more common dry cell batteries
Hope this helps!
Best regards
Happy Physics Land