The Toyota Mirai, for example, is one of the first cars that you can buy that is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. So, it is possible that we could use a fuel cell to provide electrical power and give us water. Still, there are problems. We produce hydrogen most efficiently and cheaply by heating natural gas to a high temperature with water in a reaction that also produces carbon monoxide.
So, we would be using water to make hydrogen gas to then make water. The other components that fuel cells contain may make the water unsafe for drinking. Many chemists, physicists and engineers are actively working on these problems to build more efficient and practical fuel cells that may one day provide us with cheap and drinkable water. Ask a Scientist runs on Sundays. Questions are answered by faculty at Binghamton University.
Create your free account or Sign in to continue. See Subscription Options. Go Paperless with Digital. Get smart. Sign up for our email newsletter. Sign Up. Support science journalism. Knowledge awaits. See Subscription Options Already a subscriber? Create Account See Subscription Options. Continue reading with a Scientific American subscription. The hydrogen molecules lose their electrons and become positively charged through a process called oxidation, while the oxygen molecules gain four electrons and become negatively charged through a process called reduction.
The negatively charged oxygen ions combine with positively charged hydrogen ions to form water and release electrical energy. Rauchfuss and Heiden recently investigated a relatively new generation of transfer hydrogenation catalysts for use as unconventional metal hydrides for oxygen reduction. In their JACS paper, the researchers focus exclusively on the oxidative reactivity of iridium-based transfer hydogenation catalysts in a homogenous, non-aqueous solution.
They found the iridium complex effects both the oxidation of alcohols, and the reduction of the oxygen. The new catalysts could lead to eventual development of more efficient hydrogen fuel cells, substantially lowering their cost, Heiden said. Use this form if you have come across a typo, inaccuracy or would like to send an edit request for the content on this page.
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