Fuel Cells | A-level Chemistry | OCR, AQA, Edexcel

Fuel cells in a Snap!
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The key points covered in this video include:
1. Uses for cells
2. Alkaline hydrogen fuel cells
3. Acidic hydrogen fuel cells
4. Pros and cons of hydrogen fuel cells
Uses for Cells
Chemical cells are used a lot in everyday life. Non-rechargeable Cells. These give us electrical energy until the chemicals within them have reacted fully and then they are disposed of. Rechargeable cells. The chemicals react and generate electricity. When we apply a potential difference in the opposite direction and the chemicals regenerate. Examples: Nickel and cadmium (Ni-Cad) used as rechargeable batteries. Lithium-ion batteries used in laptops and mobile telephones. Risks include being toxic if ingested and can also malfunction and explode.
Fuel Cells
Rather than having a stock of chemicals, fuel cells are externally supplied with the chemicals they need for the reaction. The cells can provide electrical energy as long as they are supplied with fuel. Alkaline Hydrogen Fuel Cells. Hydrogen and oxygen flow in and react, and water flows out. The electrolyte remains in the fuel cell and facilitates the flow of OH-. The fuel doesn’t have to be hydrogen - similar reactions can take place with hydrogen rich fuels like methanol.
Acidic Hydrogen Fuel Cell
Acidic Hydrogen Fuel Cells have an acidic electrolyte rather than alkaline so H+ ions flow to connect the two terminals. Hydrogen and oxygen flow in and react, and water flows out still. The electrolyte remains in the fuel cell and facilitates the flow of H+. The fuel doesn’t have to be hydrogen gas - similar reactions can take place with hydrogen rich fuels like methanol.
Pros and Cons of Hydrogen Fuel Cells
The two main advantages of hydrogen fuel cells are: 1. They are more efficient than burning fossil fuels 2. They only release water as a waste product which is not harmful. The main disadvantage of a hydrogen fuel cells is that we need energy to build them and to produce the hydrogen and this energy must still come from fossil fuels.
Summary
We’ve seen that chemical cells are used for disposable batteries and rechargeable batteries
Alkaline hydrogen fuel cells combine hydrogen and oxygen which they receive from external sources and the reaction generates electricity
Acidic hydrogen fuel cells combine hydrogen and oxygen which they receive from external sources and the reaction generates electricity

[@sarahsavage7461]

Ammonia and ammonium used incorrectly

[@tp2721]

where does the water that reacts at the cathode come from? Thanks

[@L1_scann]

what about increasing pressure of oxygen

[@armandobond7736]

Fellas I got chemistry paper 3 tomorrow wish me luck

[@Cornyyylieus]

less go broooo

[@satoshikamiya4636]

How did it go G

[@pianoandeden]

Did u get an E

[@rohan1274]

got an exam tommorow probably will fail

[@jamzz3611]

Oh my gosh same mines today, GOOD LUCK