Chemistry – Electrochemistry - Hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells | e-Consult
Electrochemistry - Hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells (1 questions)
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Advantages of using a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell compared to burning hydrogen directly:
- Higher Efficiency: Fuel cells are generally more efficient than combustion processes. They convert a higher percentage of the chemical energy in the fuel into electrical energy. Burning hydrogen directly has lower efficiency.
- Zero or Minimal Emissions: The primary byproduct of a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell is water, resulting in zero or minimal greenhouse gas emissions at the point of use. Burning hydrogen produces water vapor, but no other harmful pollutants like carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, or particulate matter.
- Reduced Local Air Pollution: No harmful pollutants are released into the local atmosphere when using a fuel cell.
Disadvantages of using a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell compared to burning hydrogen directly:
- Higher Cost: Fuel cells are currently more expensive to manufacture than combustion engines.
- Infrastructure Challenges: A hydrogen infrastructure (production, storage, and distribution) is not yet widely available. This represents a significant investment.
- Safety Concerns: Hydrogen is highly flammable and requires careful handling and storage to prevent explosions. While fuel cells are designed with safety features, hydrogen leakage remains a concern.
- Efficiency Losses in Hydrogen Production: Producing hydrogen (e.g., through electrolysis) requires energy, which can lead to overall efficiency losses in the hydrogen-to-electricity conversion process. If the hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels, the overall carbon footprint may not be significantly reduced.