RVFM Green Chemistry: The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Demonstration

In this demonstration, energy will be produced from combining hydrogen and oxygen to form water. Platinum will serve as the catalyst and electrodes will be prepared by coating metal mesh with platinum. The hydrogen and oxygen will come from electrolysis. After the cell is set up, a brief current is applied (with a 9-volt battery) causing the formation of hydrogen gas bubbles on one electrode and oxygen gas bubbles on the other. Using a voltmeter, electricity produced by the recombining of hydrogen and oxygen, facilitated by the platinum metal catalyst, can be observed.

• Contains enough materials for 5 demonstrations
• Suitable for Key Stage 3+ (age 11 and above)

Note: Additional material is required to use this kit, see below for details.

Type	Hydrogen fuel cell