Fuel Cells (AQA GCSE Chemistry)
Revision Note
Did this video help you?
Hydrogen fuel cells
How does a hydrogen fuel cell work?
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
Fuel cell diagram
Diagram showing the movement of hydrogen, oxygen and electrons in a Hydrogen-Oxygen fuel cell
Examiner Tips and Tricks
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.
Comparing cells
Advantages of hydrogen fuel cells
They do not produce any pollution
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
Disadvantages of hydrogen fuel cells
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
Examiner Tips and Tricks
You should be able to state 3 advantages and 3 disadvantages of the hydrogen cell.
You've read 0 of your 5 free revision notes this week
Sign up now. It’s free!
Did this page help you?