Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Development of fuel cell:

• Need to look for an alterative to finite oil-based fuels in cars.
• Hydrogen rich fuels are mixed with water (steam usually) and converted into Hydrogen.
• CH3OH+H2O-->3H2+CO2.
• This Hydrogen can be used in fuel cells.
• H2 + 1/2 O2--> H20 (The reaction that takes place in a fuel cell)

Advantages of Fuel cells:

• Less pollution and CO2
• Greater efficiency (Petrol is 20%, Hydrogen fuel cell is 40-60%)

Hydrogen fuel cell vs Methanol fuel cell:

• A liquid fuel (methanol) is easier to store
• Methanol can be generated from biomass

Storage of hydrogen:

• Hydrogen is a gas so very diffucult to store

Some storage techniques include:

• Storing as a liquid under high pressure
• Adsorbing onto the surface of a solid material
• Absorbing within some materials

Limitations of hydrogen fuel cells:

• Large scale strorage and transport is difficult
• Storing pressurised liquids is difficult
• They have a limited life time
• Use toxic chemicals in its production