Fuel Cell
Description: A fuel cell is made using two half cells. One of the half cells consists of oxygen gas bubbling into a dilute acid (cathode), and the other consists of hydrogen gas bubbling into a dilute base (anode). Platinum electrodes are used in each solution, and both cells are connected with a salt bridge. A voltage is taken between the platinum electrodes.
Source: UW Card Catalog
Year: N/A Vol: N/A Page: N/A
Keywords: Fuel cell, Cathode, Anode, Oxygen, Hydrogen, Platinum
Rating: 
Hazard: Medium
- Acute toxicity hazard
- Skin corrosion hazard
- Flammability hazard
- Acute aquatic toxicity hazard
- Electric shock hazard
- Pressurized gases- explosion hazard
Effectiveness: Average
- Good connection from demo to course material
- Mild effects are seen by audience
- Secondary effects seen by audience
- Moderate failure rate
- Time to results is medium
Difficulty: High
- Use of flammable reagents
- Use of compressed gases
- Multi-step procedures with varying results
- Reactions containing potential for creations of explosive mixtures
- Experiments in which data recording is necessary
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Use of UL approved three-prong plug and outlet
- Perform in a well-ventilated area
- ABC fire extinguisher on hand
- Absorbent materials on hand
- Handle pressurized gases with care
- No open flames present
- Prevent release of reagents to the environment
Class: Electrochemistry, Redox Reaction, Overpotential, Catalysis
Division: General, Analytical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry
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