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Date November 2017 Marks available 3 Reference code 17N.3.hl.TZ0.20
Level HL Paper 3 Time zone TZ0
Command term Deduce Question number 20 Adapted from N/A

Question

A fuel cell converts chemical energy directly to electrical energy.

Deduce the half-equations and the overall equation for the reactions taking place in a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) under acidic conditions.

[3]
a.

Outline one advantage and one disadvantage of the methanol cell (DMFC) compared with a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell.

[2]
b.

Markscheme

Negative electrode (anode):

CH3OH (aq) + H2O (l) → CO2 (g) + 6H+ (aq) + 6e

Positive electrode (cathode):
O2 (g) + 4H+ (aq) + 4e → 2H2O (l)

Overall equation:

2CH3OH (aq) + 3O2 (g) → 2CO2 (g) + 4H2O (l)

Accept any whole or fractional coefficients in balanced equations.

Award [1 max] for correct half-equations at wrong electrodes for M1 and M2.

a.

Advantage:

Any one of:

liquid methanol is easier to transport/store than gaseous hydrogen

OR

hydrogen is explosive

longer membrane life «as it operates in aqueous environment»

methanol has greater energy density than hydrogen

Disadvantage:

Any one of:

lower voltage

lower power per unit mass «of the cell»

lower efficiency

toxic/can be mistaken for ethanol

lower specific energy

Ignore any cost references throughout.

Accept “CO2/greenhouse gas produced” OR “requires a more highly efficient catalyst”.

Do not award marks for converse statements for the advantage and disadvantage.

b.

Examiners report

[N/A]
a.
[N/A]
b.

Syllabus sections

Options » C: Energy » C.6 Electrochemistry, rechargeable batteries and fuel cells (HL only)
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Options » C: Energy
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