Electrolysis and Fuel Cells Overview

Elecrolysis:

This unit on electrolysis and fuel cells was developed for the 8th grade physical science
curriculum. This project involves a fascinating experiment in electrochemistry that
illustrates several important energy related processes, and provides an ideal context for
discussion of several issues related to electricity generation. Electrolysis is the
decomposition of water into oxygen and hydrogen due to an electric current being passed
through the water. The principle of electrolysis was first formulated by Michael Faraday
in 1820. An Electrical power source is connected to two electrodes which are placed in
the water.

• energy (electricity) + 2 H2O → O2 + 2 H2

• H2O → H+ + OH-
• Hydrogen ions gather at the cathode and react with it to form hydrogen gas, which
is then collected.
• H+ + e- → H then H + H → H2
• Hydroxide ions gather at the anode to form oxygen.
• 4OH- →O2 + 2 H2O + 4e-

You might have expected that H2O would break up into an H and an OH (the same atoms
but with neutral charges) instead, but this doesn't happen because the oxygen atom more
strongly attracts the electron from the H - it steals it (we say the oxygen atom is more
"electronegative" than hydrogen). This theft allows the resulting hydroxide ion to have a
completely filled outer shell, making it more stable. Students will be ready to understand
this concept if they have been introduced to the preliminary basic chemistry lessons listed
on the lessons page. The oxygen atom is more electronegative than the hydrogen because
when the atoms are covalently bonded in a water molecule, the electrons are held more
strongly by the oxygen.

Fuel Cells:

If you store this hydrogen and oxygen produced in the electrolysis process you can use it
to fuel a polymer electrolyte fuel cell. The hydrogen molecules (H2) enter on the anode
side. A platinum catalyst facilitates their separation into electrons and protons. Protons
pass through the polymer electrolyte membrane while the electrons have to go around
through the circuit producing electricity. The oxygen molecules (O2) enter on the cathode
side where they meet up with the (H+) protons and the (e-) electrons to form water which
is the only by-product.

2H2 + O2 -> 2 H2O + energy (heat).

Notice from the equation above that, unlike burning a fossil (carbon-based) fuel such as
coal, burning hydrogen doesn't produce any byproducts except water, which is
environmentally benign.
Burning fossil fuels such as coal also usually releases other pollutants, including sulfur
dioxide, mercury, and uranium to the atmosphere. But if we can obtain hydrogen without
producing greenhouse gases or these other pollutants, then hydrogen is a better fuel to use
than fossil fuels. Many researchers are working diligently to design fuel cells that will
make it possible for us to replace our fossil fuel economy with a more eco-friendly
hydrogen economy.

There are many obstacles to a hydrogen-economy and these lessons will provide students
with an opportunity to generate ideas about what those obstacles might be. For instance,
it is difficult to store and transport hydrogen, people are used to using fossil fuels and
resistant to change, etc.

Both of these problems might be surmounted by using the hydrogen in synthetic fuels
such as methanol with a solid oxide fuel cell, but researchers are working on the
problems associated with this such as fuel cell poisoining and the need for high
temperatures.

The poster shown on my web page and available for check out from MSU, depicts the
various types of fuel cells, the amount of power produced by each, and a typical use for
each. The poster also shows the recycling process of electrolysis producing hydrogen to
power a polymer electrolyte fuel cell. The chemistry involved in the electrolysis process
and the PEM fuel cell are also shown along with a dismantle able PEM fuel cell and a
PEM fuel cell car. Resources for gathering further information are included.

The web page also includes an “Electrolysis and Fuel Cell Instructional Video” that
might be helpful in understanding both.

In order for students to be prepared to study electrolysis and fuel cells, they need to have
an understanding of basic chemistry. Several prerequisite activities are listed below. I
have included a few aids for teaching these concepts on my website and in the booklet
available for checkout with the model fuel cell car.

• We use these activities in my physical science classroom to perform electrolysis

and demonstrate how fuel cells function using the hydrogen produced through
electrolysis.
• You can view and print the activity sheets I have developed to use with my
students. Please note the preliminary lessons and demos necessary for students to
be successful with the activity sheets.
• You can check out a fuel cell and electrolysis activity box from MSU.
• The US Department of Energy has developed a nice activity guide for using fuel
cells in the middle school classroom. It can be accessed at the following website.
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/hydrogenandfuelcells/education/printable_versions/
middle_school.html
Fuel Cells and Electrolysis

Check out Fuel Cells and Electrolysis Box

Basic chemistry activities for understanding electrolysis and fuel cells:

States of Matter- board notes used with states of matter instruction and lab – 45 minute class period
Chemical Symbols, Formulas and Equations – board notes used to help students differentiate between symbols
(element), Formulas (compounds) and Equations (chemical reactions) and to introduce balancing chemical
equations : 45 minute class period
Atomic Structure Element Box – board notes used to clarify the differences between the basic atomic structure
information such as atomic number, atomic mass, mass number and the electron configuration. – 30 minutes
Atomic Structure Worksheet – Follow up activity to assess students understanding of atomic structure – last 15
minutes of class used for above activity and the remainder assigned as homework.
Ionic and Covalent Bonding – board notes used to clarify the difference between ionic and covalent bonding. – 30
minutes
Hindenburg Lesson – 45 minute class period

Candle Lab - 45 minute class period

Balancing Equations Lab – 45-90 minutes
Chemical Reaction Lab - 45 minute class period
Chemical Reaction Lab Key

Electrolysis:

Electrolysis Activity Sheet – 45 minute class period

Electrolysis Quiz – 20 – 30 minutes
including time for the electrolysis demo
Electrolysis Solutions Electrolysis Quiz Solutions

Fuel Cells:

Fuel Cell Activity Sheet - 90 minutes including

dismantle able fuel cell demo, fuel cell animation and
fuel cell car demo
Fuel Cell Solutions