Fuel cells, an invention of the 19th century, have the potential to substitute fossil fuels

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Abstract

Fuel cells, an invention of the 19th century, have the potential to substitute fossil fuels. They are electrochemical devices which generate electricity through chemical reaction. The cells are made of different materials with varied characteristic depending on the type of the cell. The characteristics influence their productivity. The cells have the ability to meet electrical need in different contexts.

Introduction and background information

Fuel cells generate electricity through chemical reaction. They are electrochemical devices which generate electricity through combining oxygen and hydrogen. The combination produces heat and water as by products [1]. Some use alcohols such as methanol or hydrocarbons like natural gas instead of hydrogen. However, hydrogen remains the main component used in most of the cells. The notion of fuel cells was fist conceive in the 19th century when the first workable prototypes of the fuel cells were made. Developments through the 20th century lead to increased research and developments in the design and understanding of the fuel cells. The research and development of fuel cell since the 19th century has been consistently encourage by the desire to develop reliable and environmentally friendly sources of energy. Petroleum, which is the world’s most productive source of energy, is increasing becoming scarce. Furthermore, combustion of petroleum products produces emissions that are responsible for air pollution and creation of a greenhouse effect in the atmosphere leading to global warming. Fuel cell research continues and researchers try to find way of improving the reliability of the cells.

Material properties and comparison

The main parts of a fuel cell are two electrodes (a cathode and an anode) and an electrolyte. The electrodes are placed in the electrolyte.

In solid oxide fuel cells electrodes must have a high surface area, high catalytic ability, and high current conductivity and be compatible with the electrolyte used [2]. The must be compatible with the interconnect used. The electrolyte must be resistant to thermal shock, non-electron conductor, a good ion conductor at optimal operating temperatures, leak tight and dense, thin to minimize ionic resistance, and have reliable stability in oxidizing and reducing environments. It must also be extensive in area to maximize its current capacity and economically feasibly. The interconnection, which is important in Solid oxide fuel cells, must be made of impervious and inert material the can remain stable in reducing and oxidizing environment. Lanthanum chromite or metallic alloys can be used.

In molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC ), electrodes must be resistant to CO poisoning, insoluble in the electrolyte, have the ability to sustain the current under varying oxygen and hydrogen concentration and temperature. Most common electrolyte for MCFC in lithium-potassium carbonates salt that is preheated to a molten state [3]. It melts at 550C but must be heat to 600C-1000C. The electrolyte take into account the carbon dioxide and oxygen solubility, cathode solubility, alkali metal hydroxides volatility (the hydroxides are generated at the cathode), and oxygen reduction dynamics.

In Proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The membrane is critical Nafion ion exchange membrane is the main membrane used [4]. Nafion is a polytetrafluoroethene (PTFE). It desirable characteristics are: It should be hydrophobic, Very resistant to chemical attack Thermoplastic with good mechanical strength.

Procession techniques

Each type of fuel cell has different processing techniques however the all involve catalyzed reaction of hydrogen at the anode. Hydrogen catalyzed reaction at the anode creates positive and negatively charged ion and electron respectively. The proton passes into the electrolyte and the electron through the circuit resulting into a current. Oxygen reacts with the electron and ion at the cathode producing heat and water.

Fuel cells application

Fuel cell are can be used for generation of electricity for different purposes. There are stationary, portable and mobile fuel cells to suite different tasks. Fuel cell can be used to provide backup power, run transport vehicles, run personal and military portable electronic devices, and provide electricity for domestic purposes [5].

Result and discussion

The results of this research indicate that fuel cells have long been considered substitute candidates for fossil fuels. Like solar, and wind energy, fuel cells do not have negative impact on the environment are considered green fuels. Interest in the fossil fuels has grown in the 20th century due the threat created by declining petroleum resources. Environmental concerns have also encouraged the developments. Materials used to create the cell – electrodes, electrolytes and membrane-depending on the type of cell must be compatible and have the ability to withstand conditions such as heat, oxidation, reduction, and solubility.

Conclusion

Fuel cells have enormous potential to become dependable sources of energy. Available information of the cells and the properties of suitable material for making the cells has adequately facilitate production of the cell for different uses. The cell come in stationary, portable and mobile form and are thus fit for deferent electrical energy needs. Are more development are realize, fuel cell reliability and ability to reduce dependence on fossil fuels nears becoming a reality.

Works cited

[1] S. Srinivasan. “Fuel Cells: Fundamentals to Applications.” Berlin: Springer US, 05.11.30 November 2005. Page 4.

[2] J. Fergus, R. Hui, X. Li, D. P. Wilkinson, J. Zhang. “Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: Materials Properties and Performance.” CRC Press 2008. Page 1

[3] S. P. Jiang, P. K. Shen. “Nanostructured and Advanced Materials for Fuel Cells” CRC Press 2013. 134

[4]D. P. Wilkinson, J. Zhang, R. Hui, J.Fergus, X. Li. “Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: Materials Properties and Performance.” CRC Press 2009. Page 107

[5]. B. Sørensen. “Hydrogen and fuel cells: emerging technologies and applications.” Amsterdam: Elsevier Academic Press, 2012. Page 245-361