Fuel Cells (Edexcel GCSE Chemistry)
Revision Note
Author
StewartExpertise
Chemistry Lead
Fuel Cells
- A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell in which a fuel donates electrons at one electrode and oxygen gains electrons at the other electrode
- These cells are becoming more common in the automotive industry to replace petrol or diesel engines
- As the fuel enters the cell it becomes oxidised which sets up a potential difference or voltage within the cell
- Different electrolytes and fuels can be used to set up different types of fuel cells
- An important cell is the hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell which combines both elements to release energy and water
Diagram showing the movement of hydrogen, oxygen and electrons in a Hydrogen-Oxygen fuel cell
Exam Tip
In fuel cells the polarity on the electrodes are the other way around: the anode is the negative electrode and the cathode is the positive electrode.
Evaluating Fuel Cells
Advantages
- They do not produce any pollution: the only product is water
- They produce more energy per kilogram than either petrol or diesel
- No power is lost in transmission as there are no moving parts, unlike an internal combustion engine
- No batteries to dispose of which is better for the environment
- Continuous process and will keep producing energy as long as fuel is supplied
- Quieter so less noise pollution
Disadvantages
- Materials used in producing fuel cells are expensive
- High pressure tanks are needed to store the oxygen and hydrogen in sufficient amounts which are dangerous and difficult to handle
- Fuel cells are affected by low temperatures, becoming less efficient
- Hydrogen is expensive to produce and store
- Quieter so potential danger to pedestrians if used in cars and lorries
Exam Tip
You should be able to state advantages and disadvantages of the hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells.
You've read 0 of your 0 free revision notes
Get unlimited access
to absolutely everything:
- Downloadable PDFs
- Unlimited Revision Notes
- Topic Questions
- Past Papers
- Model Answers
- Videos (Maths and Science)
Did this page help you?