Can I turn hydrogen gas into electricity without purchasing a fuel cell?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of generating electricity from hydrogen gas without purchasing a fuel cell, focusing on experimental approaches and alternative methods for utilizing hydrogen as an energy source. Participants explore the implications of hydrogen generation through electrolysis and the challenges associated with converting the gases into usable electricity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in experimenting with hydrogen as an electricity source and seeks guidance on methods to convert generated hydrogen and oxygen into electricity without purchasing a fuel cell.
  • Another participant suggests reconsidering the approach, implying that hydrogen is not a direct energy source but rather a medium, and emphasizes the importance of not using electricity to create hydrogen.
  • Concerns are raised about energy loss in the process of using hydrogen, with a mention of the hydrogen half cell as a potential setup, although challenges in sourcing suitable electrode materials are noted.
  • A participant proposes using platinum wire in an acidic solution to create a half cell, acknowledging limitations in current output and hydrogen loss unless a closed system is implemented.
  • Another viewpoint highlights the difficulties of working with hydrogen due to its volatile nature and suggests considering alternative energy sources, citing a trend towards biofuels and electric technologies over hydrogen fuel cells.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the viability of using hydrogen as an energy source, with some advocating for experimentation while others caution against its practical challenges. There is no consensus on the best approach to take or the effectiveness of hydrogen in this context.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various assumptions regarding the efficiency of hydrogen conversion, the availability of materials for experimentation, and the inherent risks associated with handling hydrogen gas. These factors remain unresolved within the discussion.

drew wood
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I would like to start experimenting with hydrogen as an electricity source, but I haven't been able to find any good resources for steps after the hydrogen generation. I've made some prototypes of small-scale hydrogen generation using electrolysis, so now I basically have two bags, one filled with hydrogen and the other one with oxygen. My question is now how do I go about taking these two gases and turning them into electricity. I'm looking for a feasible option that doesn't require just purchasing a fuel cell, rather, making my own.
 
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Hi drew, :welcome:

Re-think: hydrogen is just as much an energy source as copper wire ...

The way to 'make' electricity is to not use it to make hydrogen.
 
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BvU said:
Hi drew, :welcome:

Re-think: hydrogen is just as much an energy source as copper wire ...

The way to 'make' electricity is to not use it to make hydrogen.

It is more of a science experiment/test, just too see how it works and such.
 
But to test it as a source you have to take it from somewhere first. Yes, there is a loss of energy in the process.

Hydrogen half cell comes to mind as part of a possible setup. You will have problems finding good electrode material though.
 
Borek said:
But to test it as a source you have to take it from somewhere first. Yes, there is a loss of energy in the process.

Hydrogen half cell comes to mind as part of a possible setup. You will have problems finding good electrode material, though.

Lets say I can obtain the electrode material (platinum wire or whatever is necessary), any thoughts on constructing a half cell?
 
Wire in the acidic solution (around 0.5-1 M sulfuric acid would be my first choice), gas bubbled through the solution. You won't get high currents, and you will lose plenty of hydrogen (unless you can make it a closed system, with the gas circulating), but it should already work. You will need an oxygen half cell as well, and some kind of membrane (or a salt bridge).
 
Hydrogen is a energy storage medium, like a battery. Not an energy cell.

Considering hydrogen gas is hard to work with, volatile, explosive, hard to contain without leakage, consider using something else.
There's a reason technology develops towards bio ethanol/propanol and electric, not hydrogen gas fuel cells.
 

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