User interface language: English | Español

Date November 2019 Marks available 2 Reference code 19N.3.hl.TZ0.20
Level HL Paper 3 Time zone TZ0
Command term Formulate and Deduce Question number 20 Adapted from N/A

Question

A proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell uses pure hydrogen gas as the fuel and a proton exchange membrane as the electrolyte.

 

A dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) uses light energy to produce electricity.

Deduce the half-equations for the reactions occurring at the electrodes.


Anode (negative electrode):

Cathode (positive electrode):

[2]
a.

Calculate the cell potential, Eθ, in V, using section 24 of the data booklet.

[1]
b(i).

Suggest how PEM fuel cells can be used to produce a larger voltage than that calculated in (b)(i).

[1]
b(ii).

Suggest an advantage of the PEM fuel cell over the lead-acid battery for use in cars.

[1]
c.

Outline the functions of the dye, TiO2 and the electrolyte in the operation of the DSSC.

Dye: 

TiO2:

Electrolyte:

[3]
d(i).

Suggest an advantage of the DSSC over silicon-based photovoltaic cells.

[1]
d(ii).

Markscheme

Anode (negative electrode):
H2 (g) → 2H+ (aq) + 2e

Cathode (positive electrode):
O2 (g) + 4H+ (aq) + 4e → 2H2O (l) ✔

NOTE: Accept any correct integer or fractional coefficients. Award [1 max] for M1 and M2 if correct half-equations are given at the wrong electrodes OR if incorrect reversed half-equations are given at the correct electrodes.

a.

(+)1.23 «V» ✔

NOTE: Do not accept “-1.23 «V»”.

b(i).

connect several fuel cells in series
OR
increase pressure/concentration of reactant/hydrogen/oxygen ✔

NOTE: Do not accept changes in [H+]/pH as they do not affect cell potential in this case.
Do not accept reference to quantity for “concentration”.

b(ii).

liquid in cell is less/not corrosive
OR
does not contain lead/toxic chemicals
OR
larger energy density/charge capacity/current per unit mass
OR
does not have to be charged prior to use / is always ready for use «as long as fuel is available» ✔

c.

Dye:
absorbs photons/light
OR
releases electrons ✔

TiO2:
conducts current/electricity
OR
semiconductor ✔

Electrolyte:
reduces/regenerates «the oxidized» dye ✔

d(i).

Any one of:
cheaper/ease of manufacture
OR
plentiful and renewable resources «to construct DSSC cells» ✔

use light of lower energy/lower frequency/longer wavelength
OR
use of nanoparticles provides large surface area for exposure to sunlight/sun/light
OR
can absorb better under cloudy conditions ✔

operate at lower «internal» temperatures
OR
better at radiating heat away «since constructed with thin front layer of conductive plastic compared to glass box in photovoltaic cells» ✔

better conductivity ✔

more flexible/durable ✔

NOTE: Accept “lower mass/lighter «so greater flexibility to integrate into windows etc.»” OR “greater power-conversion efficiency «with latest DSSC models»”.

d(ii).

Examiners report

[N/A]
a.
[N/A]
b(i).
[N/A]
b(ii).
[N/A]
c.
[N/A]
d(i).
[N/A]
d(ii).

Syllabus sections

Additional higher level (AHL) » Topic 19: Redox processes » 19.1 Electrochemical cells
Show 78 related questions
Options » C: Energy » C.6 Electrochemistry, rechargeable batteries and fuel cells (HL only)
Options » C: Energy
Additional higher level (AHL) » Topic 19: Redox processes
Additional higher level (AHL)
Options

View options