Inexpensive Alkaline Fuel Cell for Introductory Chemistry Classes

Abstract

Chemical energy storage and use is a critical part of a sustainable world. In this laboratory experiment, students construct and use an inexpensive hydrogen fuel cell to power a calculator or a clock. The reusable cells are prepared from plastic syringes and a nickel mesh that is coated with a palladium metal catalyst by electroless deposition. One syringe is filled with hydrogen gas and the other with air. A sodium hydroxide solution is the bridge between the cells. Students measure the produced voltage and combine two fuel cells to power electronics requiring 1.5 V. The goal is for students to make the connection between theory and practice for symbolic representations of redox reactions and their macroscopic and atomic/molecular interpretations.

Experimental Demonstration of Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production in Series with a Hydrogen Fuel Cell

“…Lisensky et al developed an inexpensive and reusable hydrogen fuel cell helping students recognize the potential of this technology by using it to power calculators or clocks. 14 Bailey et al took these ideas further, and introduced the critical concept of hydrogen storage materials by measuring hydrogen consumption of hydrogen fuel cells and evaluating their performance. In their demonstration, students could acquire knowledge about how to measure the hydrogen storage capacity of aqueous hydrochloric acid and solid magnesium hydride.…”

“…Recently, the concepts and experiments of fuel cells have also received increasing focus from educators. Lisensky et al developed an inexpensive and reusable hydrogen fuel cell helping students recognize the potential of this technology by using it to power calculators or clocks . Bailey et al.…”

Jelly Potentiometry, Do It Yourself

“…The interaction between chemical reactions and electrical processes is an essential topic to be covered in undergraduate curricula, as the importance of electrochemical methods is growing constantly. − …”

Formation of a Palladium Catalyst Layer Using an Anionic Surfactant and Subsequent Fabrication of a Glucose Fuel Cell

“…In this study, the concentration of the aqueous palladium chloride solution was reduced to one-fifth that of the conventional solution, and a new palladium plating solution containing SDS was proposed . Similar plating solution systems containing SDS have been previously used for tin and zinc plating. , …”