Hydrogen to Electricity

[tfvbhg]

Hello, I am trying to convert hydrogen and oxygen from electrolysis back into electricity. How can I do this using an electrochemical reaction? Do i have to have platinum to do this?

[Turtle]

Originally Posted by tfvbhg

Hello, I am trying to convert hydrogen and oxygen from electrolysis back into electricity. How can I do this using an electrochemical reaction? Do i have to have platinum to do this?

Sounds like you need a fuel cell, and platinum is not always used.

Originally Posted by Wiki

In the archetypal hydrogen–oxygen proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) design, a proton-conducting polymer membrane, (the electrolyte), separates the anode and cathode sides. This was called a "solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell" (SPEFC) in the early 1970s, before the proton exchange mechanism was well-understood. (Notice that "polymer electrolyte membrane" and "proton exchange membrane" result in the same acronym.)

On the anode side, hydrogen diffuses to the anode catalyst where it later dissociates into protons and electrons. These protons often react with oxidants causing them to become what is commonly referred to as multi-facilitated proton membranes (MFPM). The protons are conducted through the membrane to the cathode, but the electrons are forced to travel in an external circuit (supplying power) because the membrane is electrically insulating. On the cathode catalyst, oxygen molecules react with the electrons (which have traveled through the external circuit) and protons to form water — in this example, the only waste product, either liquid or vapor.

In addition to this pure hydrogen type, there are hydrocarbon fuels for fuel cells, including diesel, methanol (see: direct-methanol fuel cells) and chemical hydrides. The waste products with these types of fuel are carbon dioxide and water.


Construction of a low temperature PEMFC: Bipolar plate as electrode with in-milled gas channel structure, fabricated from conductive plastics (enhanced with carbon nanotubes for more conductivity); Porous carbon papers; reactive layer, usually on the polymer membrane applied; polymer membrane.
Condensation of water produced by a PEMFC on the air channel wall. The gold wire around the cell ensures the collection of electric current.[2]The materials used in fuel cells differ by type. The electrode–bipolar plates are usually made of metal, nickel or carbon nanotubes, and are coated with a catalyst (like platinum, nano iron powders or palladium) for higher efficiency. Carbon paper separates them from the electrolyte. The electrolyte could be ceramic or a membrane. ...

Fuel cell - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[UncleAl]

Feed the 2:1 vol-vol mixture of hydrogen and oxygen through the intake port of an internal combustion engine, then have its crankshaft turn a generator. Unless you like excitement, have a fine wire gauze screen or two between the plumbing and each cylinder intake.

Believe in god(s) or not as pleases you. Believe in engineering or die. (flash arrestor)

[tfvbhg]

I dont want to go through an engine i want to do it through a fuel cell. Does anyone know how to make a fuel cell out of basic things(found at a hardware store)?

[CraigD]

Welcome to hypography, tfvbhg! Please feel free to start a thread in the introductions forum, and tell us a bit about yourself

Originally Posted by tfvbhg

Does anyone know how to make a fuel cell out of basic things(found at a hardware store)?

A cleverer person might know better, but to the best of my knowledge, you can’t make an effective fuel cell without at least one item not found at an ordinary hardware store.

You can create a very simple fuel cell using nothing but platinum plated wire and ordinary tap water (though adding citric acid, available in little packets of powder or practically any bitter fruit juice, can increase power and efficiency) as the electrolyte. Very simple instructions, written for a young audience, can be found here. A foot of platinum plated wire sells for $10 +S/H.

If you’re willing to buy a bit of manufactured membrane, it’s fairly easy to make a PEM hydrogen fuel cell that will reform hydrogen from ordinary methanol antifreeze fluid, diluted in water to about 1/30th concentration. Rather whimsical but quite workable instructions for doing this using bandaid adhesive bandages and stainless steel window screen can be found here. Its small DMFC MEA sells for $72.73 +S&H.

Good luck with your project, tfvbhg, and please share your progress with us – especially if you can figure out a way to get a practical voltage from a hydrogen fuel cell made completely out of everyday materials.

[tfvbhg]

Thanks for all the help!