This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer

Author Question: What are the disadvantages to the alkaline fuel cell (AFC) that make it more expensive to operate ... (Read 62 times)

penguins

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 903
What are the disadvantages to the alkaline fuel cell (AFC) that make it more expensive to operate than other fuel cells?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Describe the operation of a direct-methanol fuel cell (DMFC).
 
  What will be an ideal response?



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

morrie123456

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 314
Answer to Question 1

The primary disadvantage is the requirement for pure oxygen and pure hydrogen. The fuel cell is also poisoned easily by CO2 and they have a shorter average lifetime than other fuel cell, making them less cost effective.

Answer to Question 2

Methanol and water is supplied to the fuel cell and hydrogen is extracted from the methanol by a steam reformer. Electrons are released from the hydrogen at the anode and travel through the external circuit to the cathode as electrical current. Oxygen is from air is ionized at the cathode and oxygen ions combine with hydrogen ions to form water.





 

Did you know?

To combat osteoporosis, changes in lifestyle and diet are recommended. At-risk patients should include 1,200 to 1,500 mg of calcium daily either via dietary means or with supplements.

Did you know?

Multiple experimental evidences have confirmed that at the molecular level, cancer is caused by lesions in cellular DNA.

Did you know?

Most fungi that pathogenically affect humans live in soil. If a person is not healthy, has an open wound, or is immunocompromised, a fungal infection can be very aggressive.

Did you know?

Fatal fungal infections may be able to resist newer antifungal drugs. Globally, fungal infections are often fatal due to the lack of access to multiple antifungals, which may be required to be utilized in combination. Single antifungals may not be enough to stop a fungal infection from causing the death of a patient.

Did you know?

A cataract is a clouding of the eyes' natural lens. As we age, some clouding of the lens may occur. The first sign of a cataract is usually blurry vision. Although glasses and other visual aids may at first help a person with cataracts, surgery may become inevitable. Cataract surgery is very successful in restoring vision, and it is the most frequently performed surgery in the United States.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library