Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
erwise be too slow to allow the survival of living organisms. Catalysts
participate in the reactions but are not consumed by them.
Many diff erent types of fuel cell are possible. Th e fuel in the cell de-
scribed above is pure hydrogen, although of course an oxidizing agent,
in this case oxygen, is also needed. Other fuels can be used, although the
reactions are more complicated. Various electrolytes are also possible.
For example, the electrolyte of alkali fuel cells is a solution of potassium
hydroxide (an alkaline, which has a high pH). Solid oxide fuel cells use
compounds of metal oxides as electrolytes. (Fuel cell names are generally
Platinum electrodes catalyze the breakdown of hydrogen into hydrogen
nuclei (protons) and electrons. The electrons travel in a conductor,
and the protons travel through the electrolyte, meeting at the other
side, where platinum electrodes catalyze the combination of protons,
electrons, and oxygen into water.
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