Ch En 310

Reading Questions for Class 14

From Boyle et al., Chapter 14

Topic: Sequestration and Hydrogen

A. CO₂ Sequestration

1. Discuss the methods, advantages, and disadvantages of the different proposed methods of carbon sequestration.

B. Fuel Cells

2. How does a fuel cell work?

3. Why have the more complicated fuel cells been developed, like PAFC, MCFC, and SOFC?

4. Why is there so much interest in fuel cells? Why aren’t fuel cells in widespread use?

C. Hydrogen Economy

5. Why are so many people interested in a hydrogen economy?

6. Discuss the methods for generating hydrogen in large quantities. Why are so many people disgusted that so much money is being spent to develop a hydrogen economy?

7. Show the reactions involved for (a) combustion of natural gas, and (b) steam reforming of natural gas. Look up the heats of reaction for the different reactions and discuss thermodynamic implications.

8. Please discuss the safety, storage, and delivery issues related to a possible hydrogen economy.

Write a question that will help the next class better study an important point in this chapter, or that will serve as a good discussion topic.