Fuel cells

Fuel cell history

First demonstrated in principle by British Scientist Sir Willliam Robert Grove in 1839. Groves invention was based on idea of reverse electrolysis.

What is a fuel cell

Creates electricity through electrochemical process Operates like a battery Emits heat and water only

Parts of fuel cells

There are 4 main parts Anode Cathode Catalyst Proton exchange membrane

Parts of a Fuel Cell

Anode Negative post of the fuel cell. Conducts the electrons that are freed from the hydrogen molecules so that they can be used in an external circuit. Etched channels disperse hydrogen gas over the surface of catalyst. Cathode Positive post of the fuel cell Etched channels distribute oxygen to the surface of the catalyst. Conducts electrons back from the external circuit to the catalyst Recombine with the hydrogen ions and oxygen to form water.

Parts of a Fuel Cell

Electrolyte Proton exchange membrane. Specially treated material, only conducts positively charged ions. Membrane blocks electrons. Catalyst Special material that facilitates reaction of oxygen and hydrogen Usually platinum powder very thinly coated onto carbon paper or cloth. Rough & porous maximizes surface area exposed to hydrogen or oxygen The platinum-coated side of the catalyst faces the PEM.

Fuel cell theory

A fuel cell consists of two electrodes - Anode and Cathode. Hydrogen and Oxygen are fed into the cell. Catalyst at Anode causes hydrogen atoms to give up electrons leaving positively charged protons. Oxygen ions at Cathode side attract the hydrogen protons.

Cont..
Protons pass through electrolyte membrane. Electrons are redirected to Cathode through external circuit. Thus producing the current - power

Fuel cell working

Conventional Fuel Cells

Hydrogen is the fuel for Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells. At the anode, a platinum catalyst causes the hydrogen to split into positive hydrogen ions (protons) and negatively charged electrons.
R. Shanthini 26 Feb 2010

Conventional Fuel Cells

The Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) allows only the positively charged hydrogen ions (protons) to pass through it to the cathode. The negatively charged electrons must travel along an external circuit to the cathode, creating an electrical current.
R. Shanthini 26 Feb 2010

Conventional Fuel Cells

At the cathode, the electrons and positively charged hydrogen ions combine with oxygen to form water, which flows out of the cell.

R. Shanthini 26 Feb 2010

Major Types of Fuel Cells

In general all fuel cells have the same basic configuration - an electrolyte and two electrodes Different types of fuel cells are classified by the kind of electrolyte used The type of electrolyte used determines the kind of chemical reactions that take place and the temperature range of operation

Types of fuel cells

Temp. C 70-90 150-210 Application Space Commercially

Alkaline Phosphoric Acid

Solid Polymer

70-90

Automotive

Moltan Carbonate

550-650

Power generation

Solid Oxide

1000-1100

Power generation

Direct Methanol

70-90

Under development

Proton Exchange Membrane Cells

Also called as Solid Polymers and used for quick startup in automobiles, light duty vehicles and potentially to replace rechargeable batteries Electrolyte :Solid organic polymer polyperflourosulfonic acid. Catalyst: Metals (usually platinum) coated on both sides of membrane act as catalyst Advantages: Use of solid electrolyte reduces corrosion and management problems

Contd..
Disadvantages: Sensitive to fuel impurities Cell outputs generally range from 50 to 250 kW.

Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

Similar to the PEM cells in that they both use a polymer membrane as the electrolyte The anode catalyst itself draws the hydrogen from the liquid methanol, eliminating the need for a fuel reformer. Efficiency of about 40% typically operate at a temperature between 120190 degrees F

Cont..
Attractive for tiny to mid-sized applications, to power cellular phones and laptops Higher efficiencies are achieved at higher temperatures Major problem: Fuel crossing over from the anode to the cathode without producing electricity.

ELECTRODIALYSIS (ED)
Ion Permeable Membranes
Non porous Sheets of ion-exchange resins and other polymers Thickness 100 - 500 m
Are divided in

Anion - exchange
Positively charged groups
E.g. Quarternary ammonium salts NR3 or C5H5N-R

Cation - exchange
Negatively charged groups
E.g. Sulfonic or carboxylic acid groups - SO3 -

R. Shanthini 26 Feb 2010

Types of Ion - Exchange Membranes

Ion - exchange resines + Film - forming polymer
Heterogeneous

High Electrical resistance Poor mechanical strength

Homogeneous

Introduction of an ionic group into a polymer film

R. Shanthini 26 Feb 2010

Requirements for Ion - Exchange Membranes

High electrical conductivity High ionic permeability Moderate degree of swelling High mechanical strength

Charge density 1 - 2 mequiv / g dry polymer Electrical Resistance 2 - 10 .cm2 Diffusion coefficient 10-6 - 10-10 cm2/s
R. Shanthini 26 Feb 2010