NEW WAY SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL

SESSION:2023-2024 

NAME : PRATHAM KUMAR YADAV

CLASS : XII SEC : A1
TOPIC : FUEL CELL

SUBMITTED TO :                     SUBMITTED BY :
MR. ANUJ GUPTA            PRATHAM KR. YADAV
        CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that PRATHAM KR. YADAV a student of
class XII A1 , NEW WAY SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL
has successfully completed the project TITLED “FUEL CELL”
during the academic year of 2023-2024 towards partial
fulfilment of CHEMISTRY PRACTICAL EXAMINATION
conducted by CBSE.

PRICIPALE’S SIGNATURE TEACHER’S SIGNATURE

EXTERNAL EXAMINER SIGNATURE

   ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
THE MAKING OF THIS PROJECT IN CHEMISTERY
HAS BEEN POSSUBLIE DUE TO THE GUIDANCE,
EFFORTS AND SUPPORT GIVEN BY VARIOUS
PEOPLE. I GAVE MY GRATITUDE AND DEEP
APPRECIATION TO MY HONOURABLE PRINCIPAL
MRS. JYOTI WANCHOO AND MY CHEMISTERY
TEACHER MR. ANUJ GUPTA , NEW WAY SENIOR
SECONDARY SCHOOL WHO GAVE ME GOLDEN
OPPPRTUNITY TO WORK ON THIS WONDERFUL
PROJECT ON TOPIC “FUEL CELL” WHICH HELPED
ME IN DOING A LOT OF RESEARCH AND I CAN
KNOW ABOUT SO MANY NEW THINGS. I WOULD
LIKE TO EXPRESS MY HEARTIEST GRATITUDE
TO MY FAMILY MEMBERS AND ALL THOSE
PEOPLE WHO SELFLESSLY DEVOTED TIME FOR
ANY KIND HELP THAT WAS REQUIRED.
         INDEX
1.ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
2.CERTIFICATE
3.FUEL CELL
           -:INTRODUCTION
           -:CONSTRUCTION OF FUEL CELL
           -:WORKING OF FUEL CELL
           -:TYPES OF FUEL CELL
           -:ADVANTAGES
           -:DISADVANTAGES 
           -:APPLICATION 
4.BIBLOGRAPHY
  INTRODUCTION
What is fuel cell ?
A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that converts the chemical energy
of a fuel, typically hydrogen, directly into electrical energy. It operates
based on the principles of electrochemistry and consists of several
components working together to generate electricity.
The main components of a fuel cell are:
• Anode: The anode is the negative electrode of the fuel cell. It is
typically made of a catalyst, such as platinum, that facilitates the
reaction of hydrogen fuel with an electrolyte.
• Cathode: The cathode is the positive electrode of the fuel cell. It is also
made of a catalyst, often platinum, that facilitates the reaction of oxygen
(usually from the air) with the electrolyte.
• Electrolyte: The electrolyte is a substance that allows the movement of
charged particles (ions) between the anode and cathode. It can vary
depending on the type of fuel cell but is usually a polymer membrane or
an electrolyte solution.
• Fuel: The fuel used in fuel cells is typically hydrogen gas (H₂).
Hydrogen is chosen as a fuel because it has a high energy content, is
lightweight, and produces water as a byproduct when reacted with
oxygen.
• Oxidant: The oxidant used in fuel cells is usually oxygen (O₂) from the
air. The oxygen combines with hydrogen at the cathode, creating water
as a byproduct.
   CONSTRUCTION..

The construction of a fuel cell typically involves

assembling various components to create an
electrochemical device that can convert fuel into
electricity. While the specific design and construction may
vary depending on the type of fuel cell, here is a general
overview of the components involved:
• Electrolyte: The fuel cell contains an electrolyte, which
is a substance that allows the movement of ions
between the electrodes. The choice of electrolyte
depends on the type of fuel cell and can be a polymer
membrane or an electrolyte solution.
• Anode: The anode is the electrode where the fuel is oxidized. It is
typically made of a catalyst material, such as platinum or a
platinum alloy, which promotes the electrochemical reaction. The
anode also allows the fuel (usually hydrogen) to pass through it to
reach the electrolyte.
• Cathode: The cathode is the electrode where the oxidant, typically
oxygen from the air, is reduced. Like the anode, it is usually made
of a catalyst material, such as platinum or a platinum alloy. The
cathode facilitates the reaction between the oxygen, protons (or
ions), and electrons to form water as the byproduct.
TYPES OF FUEL CELLS

Alkaline Fuel Cell (AFC)

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC)

Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC)

Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC)

Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC)

   ALKALINE FUEL
Alkaline Fuel Cells (AFCs) were one of the first types of fuel
cells to be developed and have been in use since the mid-
20th century. They operate at relatively low temperatures,
typically between 60°C and 90°C, and work by oxidizing
hydrogen gas (H2) and reducing oxygen gas (O2) at the
anode and cathode respectively.
Alkaline fuel cells are efficient and can be used in different
applications, like powering vehicles or providing electricity for
homes and buildings. They have some advantages, such as
being able to use cheaper materials and having faster
reactions. However, they also have limitations, such as
needing pure hydrogen fuel and being sensitive to certain
impurities. Researchers are working on improving these fuel
cells to make them even better for future use.
 Proton Exchange
Membrane Fuel Cell
• A Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) is a
type of fuel cell that uses a solid polymer membrane
as the electrolyte. It operates by converting the
chemical energy of hydrogen gas (H2) and oxygen
gas (O2) into electricity.
• In a PEMFC, hydrogen gas is supplied to the anode
(negative electrode) where it undergoes a catalytic
reaction that splits it into protons (H+) and electrons
(e-). The protons are conducted through the polymer
electrolyte membrane, while the electrons are forced
to travel through an external circuit, generating an
electric current that can be used to power electrical
devices.
Direct Methanol Fuel
Cell (DMFC)
• A Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC) is a type of fuel
cell that converts the chemical energy of methanol
directly into electricity. It operates by
electrochemically reacting methanol and oxygen to
produce electrical energy without the need for a
reformer or external hydrogen supply.
• In a DMFC, methanol is supplied to the anode
(negative electrode), where it undergoes a catalytic
reaction that breaks it down into carbon dioxide
(CO2), protons (H+), and electrons (e-). The protons
migrate through a polymer membrane electrolyte to
the cathode (positive electrode), while the electrons
are forced to flow through an external circuit,
generating an electric current.
Phosphoric Acid Fuel
Cell (PAFC)

• A Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC) is a type of fuel

cell that uses phosphoric acid as the electrolyte. It
operates by converting the chemical energy of
hydrogen gas and oxygen into electricity through an
electrochemical reaction.
• In a PAFC, hydrogen gas is supplied to the anode
(negative electrode), where it undergoes a catalytic
reaction that splits it into protons (H+) and electrons
(e-). The protons migrate through the phosphoric
acid electrolyte, while the electrons are forced to
travel through an external circuit, creating an electric
current that can be used to power devices or
systems.
 Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC)

• A Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) is a type of fuel cell

that uses a solid ceramic material as the electrolyte.
It operates by converting the chemical energy of a
fuel, typically hydrogen gas (H2), carbon monoxide
(CO), or methane (CH4), into electricity through an
electrochemical reaction.
• In an SOFC, fuel is supplied to the anode (negative
electrode), where it undergoes a catalytic reaction.
At high temperatures (typically 500-1000 degrees
Celsius), the fuel is oxidized, releasing electrons (e-)
and generating oxygen ions (O2-). The electrons
are forced to flow through an external circuit,
creating an electric current that can be used to
power devices or systems.
    ADVANATGES
          Here are some key advantages of fuel cells:
• High Efficiency: Fuel cells are very good at converting fuel
into electricity, so they use fuel efficiently and waste less
energy.
• Clean and Environmentally Friendly: Fuel cells produce
electricity without burning fuel, so they create fewer
pollutants and greenhouse gases, helping to protect the
environment.
• Versatile Fuel Options: Fuel cells can use different types of
fuels like hydrogen, natural gas, or even renewable sources,
giving us more choices and reducing our reliance on fossil
fuels.
• Quiet and Smooth: Fuel cells operate quietly and without
vibrations, making them suitable for places where noise and
disturbances are not wanted.
• Can Be Used Anywhere: Fuel cells can be installed in many
different locations, like homes, businesses, or even in
vehicles, providing power wherever it's needed.
• Reliable and Long-Lasting: Fuel cells can work for a long
time without breaking down, so they can provide power
consistently and have a longer lifespan compared to other
technologies.
  DISADVANTAGES
      Here are the key disadvantages of fuel cells:
• Expensive: Fuel cells can be costly to make because they use
expensive materials, making them more expensive than
traditional energy systems.
• Limited Availability: It can be challenging to find places to
refuel or recharge fuel cells, especially for hydrogen fuel cells.
The infrastructure for fuel cells is not as widespread as for
other types of energy.
• Fuel Supply Issues: Some fuel cells require specific fuels like
hydrogen, which may not be readily available. Setting up the
infrastructure to produce and distribute these fuels can be
difficult.
• Safety Concerns: Fuel cells often use flammable fuels like
hydrogen, which require careful handling and storage to
prevent accidents. Safety measures need to be in place to
ensure their proper use.
• Slow Start-up: Some fuel cells take longer to start and reach
their full power output compared to other energy systems.
• Size and Weight: Fuel cell systems can be bulky and heavy,
which can limit their use in portable or mobile applications.
• Durability and Lifespan: Fuel cells can degrade over time due
to operating conditions and fuel impurities, which can affect
their performance and lifespan.
 APPLICATIONS OF FUEL CELL
• Cars and Vehicles: Fuel cells can power cars and other
vehicles, making them run without burning gasoline or diesel.
• Portable Devices: Fuel cells are used in small gadgets like
phones and laptops to provide power when there are no
electrical outlets available.
• Homes and Buildings: Fuel cells can generate electricity and
heat for houses and buildings, reducing the reliance on
traditional power sources.
• Backup Power: Fuel cells are used as a backup power source
in case of emergencies or when the regular power supply is
disrupted.
• Remote Areas: Fuel cells can provide electricity in places
where there are no power lines, like in remote villages or on
camping trips.
• Military and Defense: Fuel cells are used by the military for
portable power, drones, and other equipment.
• Boats and Ships: Fuel cells can power boats and ships,
offering a clean and quiet alternative to traditional engines.
• Space Exploration: Fuel cells have been used in space
missions to generate electricity and support astronauts.
 BIBILOGRAPHY
https://www.google.com/
https://www.wikipedia.org/
https://www.energy.gov/fecm/office-fossil-energy-and-carbon-manage
ment
NCERT Books
Chemistry Balaji Books
THANK YOU