Consider the methanol fuel cell reactions again. What do you think might happen
ID: 523610 • Letter: C
Question
Consider the methanol fuel cell reactions again. What do you think might happen if the fuel cells were constructed in very large beakers, such that the electrodes were very far from the salt bridge? Keep in mind that ions must traverse the salt bridge in order to maintain charge neutrality. Based on your answer to the previous question, why do you think scientists encounter difficulties in scaling up fuel cells from a laboratory bench model scale to a size that might be suitable for powering a car?Explanation / Answer
6)If the fuel cells were constructed in a very large beakers, such that the electrodes were very far from the salt bridge. The potential difference would be lower since the electrons and ions are transferred at lower rate. Current will be decreased as it took electrons longer time to travel through the salt bridge. Therefore, the voltage would be lower.
7)If the fuel cells are larger, it is harder to estimate the rate of electrons and ions flow. The bigger the size, the longer it takes for the electrons to travel through the salt bridge. Therefore, the lower current, and lower the potential difference. That is why scientists encounter difficulties in scaling up fuel cells from a laboratory bench model scale to a size that might be suitable for powering a car