How does platinum catalyst split hydrogen?

The anode conducts electrons that are ‘freed’ from hydrogen molecules so they can be used in an external circuit. The pressure forces the gas through the catalyst (commonly platinum) which causes the hydrogen gas to split into two H+ ions and two electrons (e-).

What does platinum do in fuel cells?

A fuel cell needs platinum for the catalyst that separates hydrogen into protons and electrons, which then generate the electrical current, making it an alternative to battery-powered vehicles. Hydrogen fuel cells are expected to be an important part of reducing global carbon emissions, though they remain expensive.

What happens to the hydrogen at the anode of a hydrogen fuel cell?

A fuel, such as hydrogen, is fed to the anode, and air is fed to the cathode. In a hydrogen fuel cell, a catalyst at the anode separates hydrogen molecules into protons and electrons, which take different paths to the cathode. The electrons go through an external circuit, creating a flow of electricity.

Why is platinum used as a catalyst in hydrogen fuel cells?

The fuel cells typically use a platinum catalyst to speed up the reaction at the oxygen electrode, but platinum is expensive. The start-up and operation of the fuel cell also introduces side reactions that damage the efficacy of the catalyst.

How do you split hydrogen molecules?

The only split you can do is to ionize the atom, separating the proton and electron. That requires 13.6 eV, the amount of energy one electron acquires on falling through a potential of 13.6 Volts. In ordinary terms, this is a minuscule amount of energy.

Where does the hydrogen for hydrogen fuel cells come from?

Currently, the majority of hydrogen that is made for use as a fuel comes from natural gas, but hydrogen fuel also can be made from water, oil, coal, and plant material. Hydrogen can even be produced from your trash! Pilot projects have used landfill gas and wastewater to make hydrogen fuel.

How are hydrogen fuel cells recharged?

Fuel cells do not need to be periodically recharged like batteries, but instead continue to produce electricity as long as a fuel source is provided. The protons pass through the porous electrolyte membrane, while the electrons are forced through a circuit, generating an electric current and excess heat.

How does platinum react with hydrogen?

Hydrogen molecules will adsorb to the platinum surface. The energy of the interaction between the hydrogen atoms and the platinum surface contributes to the breaking of the bond between the hydrogen atoms.

How does platinum ignite hydrogen?

As for why this happens, it has to do with how platinum metal binds to hydrogen atoms. Hydrogen gas (H2) adsorbs (“sticks”) to platinum metal, which causes the H-H bond to break as two H-Pt bonds form. This makes it easier to remove an electron from each H atom, generating two H+ from H2.