Topic 3 - Green Chemistry Principles for Fuel Cells

Question 1

Principle: Renewable Feedstock

Answer 1

• Fuel cells can utilise renewable feedstocks such as hydrogen produced from renewable sources or biofuels derived from biomass, reducing reliance on fossil fuels

Question 2

Principle: Energy Efficiency

Answer 2

• Fuel cells exhibit high energy efficiency (direct transformation from chemical -> electrical) as heat can be used for heating or other purposes

Question 3

Principle: Sustainable Materials

Answer 3

• Selecting catalysts, electrolytes, and other components taht are abundant and non-toxic, thus have minimal environmental impact
• By-product is water avpor as reactions in fuel cells do not involve combustion which makes them virtually emissions free

Question 4

Challenge: high costs

Answer 4

• Catalysts, electrodes, and electrolytes can be very expensive

Question 5

Challenge: limited infrastructure

Answer 5

• Infrastructure such as hydrogen production, storage, and distribution networks is limited
• Hydrogen requires specific infrastructure for availablility and transportation

Question 6

Challenge: efficient catalysts

Answer 6

• Fuel cells rely on catalysts to facilitate the electrochemical reactions at the electrode
• Some catalysts such as platinum can be costly and scarce