A fuel cell currently under development for powering small electronic devices is based on the reaction of methanol and oxygen using an acidic electrolyte - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 17 - 2007 - Paper 1
Question 17
A fuel cell currently under development for powering small electronic devices is based on the reaction of methanol and oxygen using an acidic electrolyte.
The reduc... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A fuel cell currently under development for powering small electronic devices is based on the reaction of methanol and oxygen using an acidic electrolyte - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 17 - 2007 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify the Reductant
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Answer
In the reaction of methanol and oxygen in an acidic electrolyte for a fuel cell, the reactant that donates electrons is the reductant. Here, methanol is oxidized to carbon dioxide while releasing electrons.
Step 2
Analyze the Half Reaction at the Anode
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Answer
The half-reaction at the anode involves the oxidation of methanol:
CH3OH(g)+H2O(l)→CO2(g)+6H+(aq)+6e−
This indicates that methanol acts as the reductant producing carbon dioxide and releasing electrons.
Step 3
Conclusion
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Answer
Therefore, the correct answer for the reductant in the cell reaction and the half reaction at the anode is C. methanol.
