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These are devices which convert the energy produced during the combustion of fuels like H
2, CO and CH
4 directly into electrical energy. The most successful fuel cell is the H
2-O
2 fuel cell. It was used in the Apollo space programme and the water produced used as drinking water for the astronauts.
Working
H2 and O2 are bubbled through a porous carbon rod into concentrated NaOH. Catalysts are present in the electrodes.
fig 5.15 - Fuel cell
Advantages
1) More efficient than conventional cells because the energy of the fuel is converted directly into electric energy. Efficiency = 60-70%.
2) They are free from pollution.
