Q&A for How to Build a Fuel Cell

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What other material could be used for the electrodes besides platinum?

Bess Ruff, MA
Environmental Scientist
Bess Ruff is a Geography PhD student at Florida State University. She received her MA in Environmental Science and Management from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2016. She has conducted survey work for marine spatial planning projects in the Caribbean and provided research support as a graduate fellow for the Sustainable Fisheries Group.

Bess Ruff, MA

Environmental Scientist

Expert Answer

You can replace the platinum, but you'll need to make sure that the metal you choose is as non-reactive as possible. Your best option would be one of the other noble metals, which would include gold or silver.

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Question

Are these fuel cells used for running vehicles?

Community Answer

No. The vehicles use a different type of fuel cell called a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) which works on the same principal but has a different construction.

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Question

How can I power a toy car from a fuel cell?

Community Answer

You can;t, unless your toy car runs on 2 volts and a negligible amount of amps. Powering a toy car with this is akin to flying a Boeing 747 with a model rocket engine.

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Question

Why should I only use platinum wires?

Community Answer

Because platinum is not reactive, it will not corrode in the water when current passes through it.

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Question

Can I use silver-coated wire instead?

Community Answer

No, you cannot. It will work for a bit until the oxides form on the wire and the reaction stops. It will also become part of the electrolyte.

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Question

Does a fuel cell produce water as a byproduct?

Alexis Aldoney

Community Answer

Yes, it does. The hydrogen (H) and the oxygen (O) that were separated during electrolysis combine through an electrochemical reaction, producing both an electric current (so long as the two gases are still present) and water.

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Question

Where do I connect the LED bulb to when building a fuel cell?

Community Answer

if you use a small LED bulb, the shorter wire is USUALLY the negative wire. And of course the longer wire is USUALLY the positive one.

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Question

How much does platinum wire cost?

Community Answer

I have found a wire 50 cm in length and 0.1 mm in diameter for 24€ (about $27) on Aliexpress. Prices may vary, of course.

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Question

Can I use copper wire when building a fuel cell?

Community Answer

No, because copper will corrode in water during the process of electrolysis.

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Question

What can I use the fuel cell to power?

Community Answer

Anything that runs on 2 volts of electricity, like an LED. You would need a much bigger cell to produce more electricity.

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