Investigations into electrochemistry with a focus on PEM fuel cells

Fuel cells are a simple and fundamental electrochemical cell. This cell can be used to observe a variety of chemical principles. Polarization curves under different conditions were generated and demonstrate the efficiency of the cell. The various overpotentials are easily separated on the polarization curves. Physical meanings for each overpotential in the fuel cell are important in the practical operation of a cell. Educational uses of demonstration fuel cells can be used in the secondary classroom to advance awareness of this technology and illustrate fundamental chemistry and physics concepts. X-ray diffraction analysis of several materials was performed. The materials for lithium ion battery electrolytes showed some of the desired amorphous characteristics, but still showed significant crystallinity. The metal oxides analyzed showed significant structural changes with variation of the oxygen content.