Question

(a) What is the difference between a battery and a fuel cell? (b) Can the "fuel" of a fuel cell be a solid? Explain.

Short answer

(a) A battery is an electrochemical device that stores chemical energy and converts it into electrical energy when connected to a circuit but has limited energy storage. A fuel cell is an electrochemical energy conversion device that continuously converts the chemical energy stored in a fuel and an oxidant into electricity as long as the fuel source is available. (b) Yes, the fuel of a fuel cell can be a solid. In a solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC), solid fuels such as coal or biomass can be converted into a suitable gaseous form (e.g., synthesis gas) through a process called gasification before being fed into the fuel cell.

Step-by-step solution

(a) Difference between a battery and a fuel cell

A battery is an electrochemical device that stores chemical energy in its electrodes and converts it into electrical energy when connected to an external circuit. The chemical reactions taking place in the battery are not reversible; once the chemicals have been depleted, the battery can no longer produce electricity and must be either discarded or recharged. A fuel cell, on the other hand, is an electrochemical energy conversion device that converts the chemical energy stored in a fuel (like hydrogen) and an oxidant (like oxygen) into electricity through a chemical reaction. Unlike a battery, the reaction is continuous as long as the fuel source is available, and the fuel cell can generate electricity without the need for recharging or replacement.

(b) Solid fuel in a fuel cell

Yes, the fuel of a fuel cell can be a solid. A solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is a type of fuel cell that uses a solid oxide (typically a ceramic material) as the electrolyte. The most common fuel for SOFC is hydrogen, and it can also use other gaseous fuels such as methane or natural gas. However, it is important to note that a solid fuel, like coal or biomass, can also be used in these types of fuel cells, as long as the solid fuel can be converted into a suitable gaseous form (e.g., synthesis gas) before being fed into the fuel cell. This conversion is usually done through a process called gasification, where the solids react at high temperatures with steam or a controlled amount of air to generate the required gaseous fuels.

Key concepts

Batteries: Storing and Releasing Energy

Batteries are special devices that can store energy and release it as electricity. When you use any electronic gadget like a phone or a remote, it's most probably powered by a battery. Inside a battery, there are special materials called electrodes that hold chemical energy. When you connect the battery to an electric circuit, this chemical energy turns into electrical energy.

One thing to keep in mind about batteries is that the chemical reactions happening inside them can't just keep going on forever. These reactions move in one direction, meaning that over time the battery gets used up and stops working.

• Disposable batteries: Once they're used, you throw them away.
• Rechargeable batteries: You can recharge them and use them again.

Each type has a different way of storing and releasing energy, but both of them play a crucial role in our everyday appliances and devices.

Fuel Cells: Continuous Energy Conversion

Fuel cells are unique devices because they provide a continuous flow of electricity. Unlike batteries, when a fuel cell gets its fuel, typically hydrogen and oxygen, it can keep producing electricity as long as the fuel is supplied.

A fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen in a chemical reaction to make electricity, heat, and water. Here are a few highlights of how fuel cells work:

• They're like a battery, but they don’t run out or need to be recharged.
• They generate electricity as long as there's a constant fuel supply.
• They're great for applications needing continuous power.

Fuel cells are helpful in various applications, from powering vehicles to providing electricity in remote areas. They offer an exciting alternative to traditional energy sources by needing only a steady fuel input to work efficiently.

Solid-Oxide Fuel Cells: A Versatile Type of Fuel Cell

Solid-oxide fuel cells, or SOFCs, are a type of fuel cell that operate at high temperatures and use a solid material as an electrolyte, typically a ceramic. They stand out because of their ability to use different fuels, both gases and solids, after some special processing.

The most common fuel for SOFCs is hydrogen, but they can also operate on other gases like methane or natural gas. What's really interesting is that SOFCs can also use solid fuels such as coal or biomass. The key is converting these solid fuels into a gas through a process called gasification.

• High efficiency even at small scales.
• Can use a variety of fuel sources, increasing flexibility.
• Useful for both stationary and mobile power generation.

This versatility gives SOFCs a significant advantage in providing clean and efficient power, especially if the required gasification processes are used effectively to handle the fuel conversion.