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Imparcticle
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My chemistry book says it is impossible to use anything but hydrogen in a fuel cell, but does not say why. does anyone know why?
actually produce very toxic NOx
That was my interpretation of Imparticle's chemistry book. It may be an oversimplification the way its written, but it is technically true.LURCH said:Correct me if I'm mistaken here, but don't all these different types fo fuel cells just extract the Hydrogen from these fuels, and then run on Hydrogen and Oxygen?
"Toxic" just means "poisonous." I'm not sure if you are looking for how exactly it effects the body, but I'm pretty sure they displace oxygen.Imparcticle said:why is it toxic?
Inert means non-reactive. Oxygen likes to burn, so its not inert. Nitrogen doesn't react with much of anything (when in diatomic gas form), so it is. There are varying derees though...what makes a gas inert?
Inert means non-reactive. Oxygen likes to burn, so its not inert. Nitrogen doesn't react with much of anything (when in diatomic gas form), so it is. There are varying derees though...
Yes, chemical reactions are all about electrons. IIRC, the "noble gases" are the most inert because they have their outer shells completely filled, meaning they have no spaces to accept electrons, nor extra electrons to give. I'm not sure about the electron config of nitrogen (not a noble gas).Imparcticle said:BUT what makes it inert? i know what inert means, I just don't know what makes gases inert. Does it have something to do with the electron orbits?
Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and has the highest energy content per unit mass compared to other fuels. Additionally, when hydrogen is used in a fuel cell, it only produces water as a byproduct, making it a clean and renewable energy source.
While hydrogen is currently the most commonly used fuel in fuel cells, other fuels such as methanol, ethanol, and natural gas can also be used. However, these fuels must undergo a reforming process to extract the hydrogen, which adds complexity and cost to the fuel cell system.
A fuel cell works by combining hydrogen and oxygen in an electrochemical reaction, producing electricity, water, and heat. This process, known as hydrogen fuel cell technology, involves passing hydrogen ions through an electrolyte membrane, which creates a flow of electrons that can be harnessed as electricity.
Hydrogen fuel cells offer several advantages over traditional fossil fuels. They are more efficient, producing electricity at a higher rate, and have a longer lifespan. They also emit no harmful pollutants, making them a cleaner and more sustainable energy source.
While hydrogen fuel cells have many benefits, there are also some challenges to consider. One major challenge is the cost of producing and storing hydrogen, as it currently requires a significant amount of energy. Another challenge is the lack of infrastructure for distributing and refueling hydrogen, which limits its widespread use as a fuel source.