CHEMISTRY ISSUE INVESTIGATION DETAIL OUTLINE Is hydrogen fuel cell a viable alternative to petrol powered car?

Introduction Define Hydrogen Fuel cell Hydrogen Fuel cell - electrochemical energy conversion device Converts hydrogen and oxygen into water -produces electricity Hydrogen and oxygen constantly flow into the cell electricity flows out

Why hydrogen fuel cell is socially relevant scarcity of fuels prices -continuously rising causing negative impact to the environment.

Thesis Statement Hydrogen fuel cells -highly efficient in both electrically and physically

Chemical Background of Hydrogen Fuel Cell

FIGURE 1. Schematic diagram of a hydrogen-PEM fuel cell. The proton exchange membrane (PEM) allows H+ ions generated by H2 oxidation at the anode to migrate to the cathode, where H2O is formed

Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell is used in cars also referred as Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell. Hydrogen gas produced from burning of coal and fossil fuels, the process is known as Gasification. Gasification mixing coal with oxygen, air or steam at approximately 870oC without letting combustion occur (partial oxidation). End product of gasification hydrogen gas and carbon dioxide Oxygen gas- produced from the process of electrolysis of H2O. Gas transferred into the site where electrochemical reaction occurs Combining transfer ions and electrons at the cathode Diffuse through the electrode Liquid is produced at the surface of the electrolyte At the anode, H2 2H+ + 2eAt the cathode, 2H+ + O2 + 2eH2O

Overall equation, H2 + O2 H2O

Hydrogen gas diffuse into anode passes through thin platinum coating of catalyst Ions of hydrogen molecules are separated. Electrons pass through anode travel towards cathode of fuel cell Movement of electrons produces electricity. Single fuel cell stacked together to form a larger functioning unit.

Point Of View Advantages of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Compared to Petrol Cars o Hydrogen fuel cells are renewable whereas petrol cars are nonrenewable Hydrogen fuel cells-only obtain hydrogen and oxygen gas- renewable source no combustion process Petrol cars- burning of fossil fuels non-renewable Hydrogen fuel cells does not deplete non-renewable resources Alternative of extraction of hydrogen gas- electrolysis of water- end product: electricity and water Petrol cars- involve the uses of non-renewable sources continuously using may cause depletion Hydrogen fuel cell does not produce any polluting gases

Hydrogen fuel cell no emission of sulphur dioxide, which may lead to acid rain no emission of nitrogen oxides which produce smog or dust particulates. In a petrol car burning of fossil fuels- produce harmful waste products- causes global warming, acid rain and greenhouse effect.

Disadvantages of Hydrogen Fuel Cell o Hydrogen fuel cell is costly Presence of pure reactants in the fuel cell Existence of precious metal- Platinum as a catalyst increase the cost of a fuel cell. Limited storage capacity for hydrogen fuel Heavier hydrogen fuel tank decrease the speed of the vehicle; Increase the inertia of the vehicle, decrease the effectiveness. Hydrogen fuel cell must be hydrated all the time Membrane of the fuel cell must be water saturated transfer of hydrogen protons produces electricity Reduces effectiveness in low humidity, sub-zero temperature and operates in high temperature.

Alternative Point of View o Hydrogen gas- extracted from gasification of coal or steam refining process. o At the end of the reaction emission of polluting gas, CO2. o Defeat the purpose of using hydrogen fuel cell.

1 Car with internal combustion engine 2 Fuel cell car with hydrogen produced from coal generation 3 Fuel cell car with gasoline reformer 4 Fuel cell car with methanol reformer 5 Fuel cell car using hydrogen from natural gas (distributed from urban retail outlets) 6 Fuel cell car using hydrogen from natural gas (made at large refineries)

Figure 2. Graph comparing carbon dioxide emissions of cars, using different types of fuel sources.

Conclusion Hydrogen Fuel cell- delivered electrical without using non- renewable source Should be encourage to protect the environment.

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