Fuel cells

Hydrogen burns in air to form water: 2H₂(g) + O₂(g) --> 2H₂O(l)

Small amounts of nitrogen oxides are also formed in a reaction between nitrogen and oxygen in the air at high temps.

How It Works:

• Two electrodes are separated by a membrane, which allows H+ ions to pass through but not H₂ and O₂ molecules.
• The electrons released by the reaction at the hydrogen electrode are used up at the O₂electrode. The p.d. set up pushes electrons through the external circuit, where they do work.

Methanol-based fuel cells

Methanol is highly flammable, poisonous liquid alcohol, made…