Ch.20 - Electrochemistry

Problem 82b

Chapter 20, Problem 82b

(b) Can the “fuel” of a fuel cell be a solid?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the basic concept of a fuel cell: A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell that converts the chemical energy of a fuel into electricity through a chemical reaction with oxygen or another oxidizing agent.

Identify the common types of fuels used in fuel cells: Typically, hydrogen gas is used as the fuel in many fuel cells, but other fuels like methanol or natural gas can also be used.

Consider the state of matter for fuels: Fuels in fuel cells are generally gases or liquids because they can easily flow and react at the electrodes.

Explore the possibility of solid fuels: While less common, solid fuels can be used in certain types of fuel cells, such as solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), where the solid fuel is converted into a gaseous form before it reacts.

Conclude with the feasibility: Yes, the 'fuel' of a fuel cell can be a solid, but it typically needs to be converted into a gaseous form to participate in the electrochemical reactions efficiently.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Fuel Cells

Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that convert chemical energy from a fuel into electricity through a reaction with an oxidant. They typically use hydrogen as a fuel, but other substances can also serve as fuels. Understanding the basic operation of fuel cells is essential to determine the feasibility of using different states of matter as fuel.

States of Matter

Matter exists in different states: solid, liquid, and gas. Each state has distinct properties that affect how substances interact in chemical reactions. In the context of fuel cells, the state of the fuel can influence its reactivity, transport, and overall efficiency in generating electricity.

Solid Fuels in Energy Systems

Solid fuels, such as coal or biomass, can be used in various energy systems, including gasification processes that convert them into gaseous fuels suitable for fuel cells. The ability to utilize solid fuels in fuel cells depends on the technology employed and the conversion methods used to make the solid fuel reactive in an electrochemical environment.

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Textbook Question

Li-ion batteries used in automobiles typically use a LiMn2O4 cathode in place of the LiCoO2 cathode found in most Li-ion batteries. (c) In a battery that uses a LiCoO2 cathode, approximately 50% of the lithium migrates from the cathode to the anode on charging. In a battery that uses a LiMn2O4 cathode, what fraction of the lithium in LiMn2O4 would need to migrate out of the cathode to deliver the same amount of lithium to the graphite anode?

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Textbook Question

(a) Which reaction is spontaneous in the hydrogen fuel cell: hydrogen gas plus oxygen gas makes water, or water makes hydrogen gas plus oxygen gas?

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Open Question

(b) Using the standard reduction potentials in Appendix E, calculate the standard voltage generated by the hydrogen fuel cell in acidic solution.

Open Question

(a) Write the anode and cathode reactions that cause the corrosion of iron metal to aqueous iron(II).

Open Question

(b) When the Statue of Liberty was refurbished, Teflon spacers were placed between the iron skeleton and the copper metal on the surface of the statue. What role do these spacers play?

Open Question

(a) Magnesium metal is used as a sacrificial anode to protect underground pipes from corrosion. Why is the magnesium referred to as a “sacrificial anode”? (b) Looking in Appendix E, suggest what metal the underground pipes could be made from in order for magnesium to be successful as a sacrificial anode.