11. Hydrogen Fuel Cell

What does a fuel cell do?

Converts hydrogen and oxygen into water and produces electricity

What is the difference between a battery and a fuel cell

Fuel cells don’t die

How else can an anode be referred to as?

Negative terminal

How else can a cathode be referred to?

Positive terminal

Write down the half equation that occurs at the negative terminal

H₂(g) -> 2H⁺(aq) + 2e⁻

Write down the half equation that occurs at the positive terminal

O₂(g) + 4H⁺(g) + 4e⁻ -> 2H₂O(l)

Write the overall redox reaction for the fuel cell

O₂(g) + 2H₂(g) -> 2H₂O(l)

What are some benefits of the hydrogen fuel cell?

Never runs out, only emission is water, same cost as petrol

What are the drawbacks to the hydrogen fuel cell

Needs energy to extract, flammable so difficult to store