Are hydrogen fuel cells a viable alternative to gasoline?

Question

Cora Andrews · Accepted Answer

? see below

Hydrogen is the gas that give the best combustion at all, both as energy produced and (by far) the least harmuful for enviromental impact: #H_2 + O_2 = 2 H_O# + Energy also if , having the combustion in air, hence with nitrogen, you can have very little amount of #NO_x#: #N_2 + O_2 = 2 NO# On the other side we have some difficulties: 1) You cannot find free Hydrogen in nature nd you must obtain it from: a) water with the same reaction you use to obtain energy, in truth, a bit bigger for problem of efficiency b) from Coal , methane or oil: #C+ 2H_2O = CO_2 + 2H_2# #CH_4 + O_2 = CO_2 + 2H_2# this reaction is more complex but i give you only the final result c) from Methanol #CH_3OH = CO + 2H_2# but you must obtain methanol and must dispose of CO The enviromental problem is only schift to an other side till we will obtain all the Hydrogen by renovable energy 2) Hydrogen is a gas till -250°C (!) and you can stock it only at very hight pressure: 1 only kg of Hydrogen at 200 atm has a volume of #V= n xx R xx T/P = 50 mol xx 0,082 (L xx atm)/ (mol xx K ) xx (300K)/(200 atm) =6,15 L# 3) Hydrogen is a very little molecule and it need specially tanks to stock it. 4) Hydrogen is the most pericolous element for infiammability and explosiveness. Despite these challenges, Toyota is now selling fuel-cell cars—just a small number at this time. These days, I believe that diesel engines are still superior (more reliable) for buses and trucks that travel long distances; electric or methane fuel is preferable for cities; and gasoline, methane, or GPL are better for mixed routes. However, technology must advance, and we can only create a safe environment by improving these new systems.

Ian Ashland · Answer

undefined Yes, hydrogen fuel cells are considered a viable alternative to gasoline. They offer several advantages, including zero emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants, high energy efficiency, and the potential for renewable hydrogen production. However, challenges such as high production costs, limited infrastructure, and the need for efficient hydrogen storage and distribution systems need to be addressed for widespread adoption.