Can Methane Be Used to Create a H2 Fuel Cell?

  • Thread starter Thread starter JGM_14
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Energy Methane
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion confirms that methane can be utilized in a fuel cell to generate electricity, similar to hydrogen fuel cells. However, the primary drawback is the production of CO2 as a waste product, making methane fuel cells less appealing compared to hydrogen fuel cells, which only emit water. The conversation also highlights the environmental benefits of methane over combustion in internal combustion engines, which produce harmful gases. Additionally, there is curiosity about oxidizing H2S from natural gas and its potential to produce H2SO4, as well as inquiries about testing for trace H2S and the necessary catalysts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fuel cell technology, specifically hydrogen and methane fuel cells.
  • Knowledge of greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts of fuel sources.
  • Familiarity with natural gas composition and extraction methods.
  • Basic chemistry concepts related to oxidation reactions and catalysts.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the environmental impacts of methane versus hydrogen fuel cells.
  • Learn about the process of oxidizing H2S and its chemical byproducts.
  • Investigate methods for testing trace amounts of H2S in natural gas.
  • Explore the design and efficiency of methane fuel cells compared to hydrogen fuel cells.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for energy researchers, environmental scientists, and engineers interested in alternative fuel technologies and their implications for sustainability.

JGM_14
Messages
157
Reaction score
0
could one make a fuel cell that would oxidise methane to release electricity the way that a H2 fuel cell does?
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
Yes, of course, but the one of the waste products from the methane fuel cell is CO_2, this being a greenhouse gas, makes the fuel cell less attractive an option and hence less popular an option than the hydrogen fuel cell, which gives off only water as waste.
 
considering the avalibility of methane as opposed to hydrogen
it isless polluting than thecombustion of it in an engine whereit can yeild nitrogencompounds, ozone, carbon monoxide, and other harmful gases due to the rapid combustion phase of most 4 cycle, and 2 cycle internal combustion engines, 2 cycles are the worst for this because of their speed and the fact that they burn the oil along with the gasoline
if you were to oxidise H2S, one of the gases in natural gas, would you get H2SO4, just curious because we have an abundance of natural gas in our water which can be extracted. At times our water is white when it comes out of our faucet due to the dissolved natural gas under pressure
i have extracted 3 1/2 gallons of unpressureized natural gas running water at a rate of about 5 gallons per hour through a homemade water degasser for 24 hours
Could one oxidise any flammable gas to yeild electricity?
How do you test for trace amounts of H2S?
 
what would i have to use as a catalyst?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
23
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K