Catalyst effects on the production of Hydrogen in

electrolysis fuel cells.

Nate Wiedemeyer and Greg ZielkeWhitefish High School

Mr. Spangler , Chemistry

Introduction

Question: Does the measure of catalyst (baking soda) effect the efficiency of the Hydrogen making process.

Hypothesis: The addition of catalyst will show slight fluctuations in the amount of hydrogen produced.

Why fuel cells?

Procedure• Prior to testing

oPut together solutions of 10g, 15g, 20g, 25g, & 30g baking soda to 500 mL of distilled water per each test jar(2).

•During Test PeriodoRan the cells twice for 2.5 min. on 7volts DC current,

collected Hydrogen in a 500mL container using water displacement.

• After Test PeriodoBurned off Hydrogen after marking its level, filled

container with water and measured the volume in a graduated cylander.

ML Gas to Grams of Catalyst

Trial 1 Trial 20

50100150200250300350400450500

Results

10g15g20g25g30g

ML gas produced

Conclusion

In the end, the highest concentrations of baking soda (30g) yielded the LEAST efficient

results as compared to the other solutions. The most efficient levels of catalyst were between 20 and 25 grams, which produced an exponentially

greater amount of Hydrogen. Our hypothesis was off.

What we could have done better.

• More experiments of concentrations between the 20 and 25 gram solution levels.

• Less human error.• More accurate measurement systems.• Experiments with different catalysts.