Hydrogen Fuel Cells

What do fuel cells use and why?

A fuel and oxygen from the air to generate a potential difference.

How do hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity?

From hydrogen and oxygen.

What’s the overall reaction for hydrogen fuel cells?

2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O

Why is the hydrogen oxidised?

To produce water.

Name a different type of hydrogen fuel cell?

Alkaline fuel cells

Name a half equation for alkaline fuel cells: (1)

2H₂ + 4OH⁻ → 4H₂O + 4e⁻

Name a half equation for alkaline fuel cells: (2)

O₂ + 2H₂O + 4e⁻ → 4OH⁻

Name 2 advatages for using hydrogen fuel cells:

The only waste is water and don’t need to be electrically recharged.

Name 2 disadvantages for using hydrogen fuel cells:

Hydrogen’s highly flammable and difficult to store and hydrogen is often produced from non-renewable resources.