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Fuel Cell uses hydrogen and oxygen to create electricity; opposite of our electrolysis experiment
PEM Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell
How does a PEM work?
Hydrogen is fed into the anode where a catalyst (like the salt in electrolysis) separates the negatively
charged electrons from the positively charged protons. The electrons must travel through an electrical
circuit to reach the other side of the cell because they cannot travel through the membrane., creating a
current. The protons move through the electrolyte to the cathode and combine with oxygen and electrons
to make water and a little heat. The product of fuel cells is water or water vapor because the heat
produces puts it into vapor states.
The amount of power produced by a fuel cell depends on the size of the fuel cell, the fuel cell type, the
temperature of operation, and the pressure of the gases supplied to the cell. A small energy use of a single
fuel cell is the car demo suggested here.
We consume petroleum based fuels 100,000x faster than they become available. The United States gets
most of its energy from fossil fuels that we import from other countries, more than 50% of US petroleum is
imported. The consumption of these fuels has caused significant damage to the ecosystem and is believed
to be the primary cause of global warming and alterations in weather patterns. This consumption is also
associated with the increase in cases of asthma and lung cancer. Hydrogen is a cleaner and more
sustainable form of energy for our growing population. A fuel cell can convert water into hydrogen and
oxygen producing usable electrical energy like the energy powering this car.
Electolysis Activity
Goal of experiment
Use electrolysis to decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen. Begin to understand the impact of clean
energy and the power produced from combining water and electricity. Understand the fundamentals of
fuel cells.
Items needed for the experiment (per group):
1. Water
2. 6 volt lantern battery
3. Aluminum foil
4. Test leads with alligator clips at both ends
5. Salt
6. Clear plastic cup
Instructions for the experiment:
1. Make two electrodes out of the aluminum foil (should be very close in size)
2. Fill cup full of water
3. Attach one test lead from the positive terminal of the battery to an electrode and attach the second
test lead to the negative terminal of the battery and the second electrode.
4. Place the electrodes in the water bath without allowing them to touch.
5. Observe
6. Add salt to the water bath
7. Observe
Items needed for fuel cell car demo:
1. DI water
2. Fuel cell car kit - http://www.thamesandkosmos.com/products/fc/fc2.html
Name ___________________________________
Hypothesis:
1. What will happen when we place the electrodes attached to the battery into the water bath?
Observations:
1. What do you see on each electrode? Is it the same on both electrodes?
3. Which electrode is producing oxygen? And which is producing Hydrogen? How can you tell? What
is the chemical reaction taking place? Use H2O in your answer.
Conclusions:
1. How could we trap the gas being produced at the electrodes?
Name ___________________________________
2. Describe a PEM
4. How will fuel cell cars differ from the cars we drive today?
This activity is a wonderful combination of chemistry, energy and physics in real life application for late
elementary levels. It lends itself to some great problem-based learning focusing on alternative energy
sources, greener energy sources and possibly less expensive sources. This activity supports the matter
and energy state standards.
NYS Standard 4: The Physical Setting
Key Idea 3: Matter is made up of particles whose properties determine the observable characteristics of
matter and its reactivity.
P.I. - 3.1 Observe and describe properties of materials, using appropriate tools.
3.1c
3.1e
3.1g
P.I. 3.2 Describe chemical and physical changes, including changes in states of matter.
3.2a
3.2b
3.2c
Key Idea 4: Energy exists in many forms and when these forms change energy is conserved.
P.I. 4.1 Describe a variety of forms of energy and the changes that occur in objects when they interact
with those forms of energy.
4.1a
4.1b
4.1c
4.1d
4.1e
4.1g
P.I. 4.2 Observe the way one form of energy can be transferred into another form of energy present in
common situations.
4.2a
4.2b
NYS Standard 4: Living Environment
Key Idea 7: Human decisions and activities have had a profound impact on the physical and living
environments.
P.I. 7.1 Identify ways in which humans have changed their environments and the effects of those
changes.
7.1a
7.1b
7.1c
NYS Standard 6: Interconnectedness : Common Themes
Key Idea 2: Models are simplified representations of objects, structures or systems, used in analysis,
explanation, or design.
NYS Standard 7: Interdisciplinary Problem Solving
Students will understand the relationships and common themes that connect mathematics, science, and
technology and apply the themes to these and other areas of learning.