Problem 78 - Chemistry: The Central Science

Question

(a) What is the difference between a battery and a fuel cell? (b) Can the "fuel" of a fuel cell be a solid? Explain.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(a) A battery stores chemical energy and converts it to electrical energy, while a fuel cell generates electricity directly from the supplied fuel and oxidizing agent. The main differences include energy source, charging, environmental impact, and efficiency. (b) Yes, the fuel of a fuel cell can be a solid. An example is the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) which uses a solid ceramic electrolyte and can utilize solid fuels like coal or biomass. This makes SOFCs attractive for specific applications where traditional liquid fuels are not viable.

Step 1: (a) Define a battery and a fuel cell)

A battery is an electrochemical cell that generates electrical energy from the chemical reactions occurring within it. It stores chemical energy and converts it into electrical energy when a circuit is connected. A fuel cell, on the other hand, is an electrochemical cell that converts the chemical energy of a fuel (usually hydrogen) and an oxidizing agent (typically oxygen) into electricity through a pair of redox reactions.

Step 2: (a) Explain the differences between a battery and a fuel cell)

The main differences between a battery and a fuel cell are: 1. Energy source: The battery stores energy in the form of chemical energy which is converted to electrical energy, while a fuel cell generates electricity directly from the supplied fuel and oxidizing agent. 2. Charging: A battery can be recharged after its stored energy is depleted, while a fuel cell continues to produce electricity as long as a continuous supply of fuel and oxidizing agent is provided. 3. Environmental impact: Batteries usually contain toxic materials and are less environmentally friendly, whereas fuel cells only produce water and heat as by-products and are considered a clean and sustainable energy source. 4. Efficiency: Fuel cell technology can be more efficient than batteries in converting chemical energy into electrical energy.

Step 3: (b) Define "fuel" in the context of a fuel cell)

The term "fuel" in a fuel cell refers to the substance that is converted into electrical energy through a chemical reaction. It is usually a hydrogen-rich compound that participates in a redox reaction with an oxidizing agent, releasing electrons in the process.

Step 4: (b) Explain if the fuel of a fuel cell can be a solid)

While it is less common, the fuel of a fuel cell can indeed be a solid. An example of this is the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC), which uses a solid ceramic electrolyte, typically made from yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ). The fuel can be a variety of solid or gaseous substances, including hydrogen, methane, or even carbon-rich materials like coal or biomass. In these fuel cells, the solid fuel reacts with the oxygen ions provided by the solid electrolyte, generating electricity, water, and other by-products. The ability to utilize solid fuels makes SOFCs particularly attractive for specific applications, such as in remote locations or environments where traditional liquid fuels are not readily available or feasible.