fuel cell

• Benefits?

  CO2 reused - no greenhouse gas

  Doesn't produce sulpher/nitrogen oxides
• Reductant

  H2 (g)
• Oxidant?

  O2
• overall reaction

  2H2 + O2 -> 2H2O
• anode rxn?

  2H2 + 4OH- = 4H2O + 4e
• cathode rxm

  O2 + 2H2O + 4e = 4OH-
• Why might fuel cell produce less voltage than predicted EMF?

  Gas pressure is higher than standard pressure

  Potential energy may be converted to heat

  Voltage drop due to resistance in components

  Cell runs between 25-90