FUEL CELLS - Experimental Work

DESCRIPTION OF EXPERIMENT

Each of the two fuel cells is composed of the same air cathode, each of them having a different anode. A 75-ml solution of potassium hydroxide (KOH) was used to act as a catalyst between the 2 electrodes. The fuel cell is illustrated in fig.1. Fuel is provided either in the solution for the methanol fuel cell or externally under the anode for the hydrogen fuel cell.

Figure 1; experimental fuel cell

PROCEDURE:

- First the electrolyte is poured into the anode (75 ml of potassium hydroxide solution). It is recommended that the electrolyte is heated to about 40 degrees C to improve performance.
- The fuel is then added to the solution, or the anode is put into a plastic tube containing hydrogen.
- The cathode is then inserted into the anode.
- Finally a voltmeter and ammeter are connected to the fuel cell.

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