Datasheet

2. After the reversible fuel cell produces hydrogen and oxygen continuously for nearly 10 minutes,
disconnect it from its power source. Inject some distilled or purified water into the oxygen side of the
reversible fuel cell to humidify the membrane for about 3 minutes (see page 10).
3. During electrolysis, make sure the hydrogen and oxygen tubes that connects the hydrogen and
oxygen supply containers to the reversible fuel cell are not clinched. Otherwise the accumulated hydro-
gen and oxygen pressure will puncture and damage the reversible fuel cell’s membrane.
4. Using non-distilled water will damage the electrodes of the fuel cell. Fuel cells use nano-scale or
carbon supported platinum as a catalyst, and these particles are very sensitive to impurities found in
non-distilled water. It is highly recommended to use the distilled or purified water.
5. For the purpose of this solar hydrogen education kit, high quality drinking water or tap water with low
mineral content can also be used - however the kit’s lifetime will be shortened.
6. The reversible fuel cell must ONLY be hydrated through the oxygen (positive side) and not through the
H2 side, failure to do so will result in the blockage of the hydrogen flow and failure of the experiments.
7. Carefully read the battery pack operation instructions before use.
1. As the reversible fuel cell keeps producing hydrogen and oxygen, its membrane becomes slightly
warm. It is advised not to produce hydrogen and oxygen continuously for more than 10 minutes at a time
or the reversible fuel cell will be permanently damaged.
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Part 7. Advice for optimal operation
1. Make sure you use distilled or purified water only. Any other water will contain substances and minerals
that can contaminate and destroy the reversible fuel cell. If you notice the fuel cell starts rusting – it means the
appropriate water (distilled or purified water) was not used for your experiments.
2. Make sure the reversible fuel cell is well hydrated before any electrolysis operation by filling it with water
using the syringe.
3. You will have maximum performance when the entire electrolysis process is repeated three to four times.
This is due to the increased hydration of the PEM membrane in the reversible fuel cell after repeated use.
Optimal temperature: 20°C - 30°C. Make sure the outer containers are filled with purified distilled water to the
top 20 mark on the outer containers before proceeding with electrolysis.
4. Ensure that the small outlets on the inner containers are not blocked by the plastic rim on the bottom of the
outer container. Hydrogen and oxygen are lighter than water so they flow to the top of the inner container,
displacing the water. If these small holes are blocked, too much pressure will build up inside reversible fuel
cell and this will cause damage to the reversible fuel cell.
5. When you run the reversible fuel cell multiple times, water in the upper part of the outer container might not
descend to the inner container. This is because a vacuum has been created in the tubing. Disconnect the
tubing from the upper nozzle of the reversible fuel cell and the water will descend into the inner container
appropriately.
6. The reversible fuel cell in the open air is very sensitive to volatile organic compounds, which will affect the
performance of it. So when you finish using the kit, it is highly recommended to place the reversible fuel cell
inside an air-sealed plastic bag, such as a “Ziploc” bag. This will protect the reversible fuel cell while you are
not using your kit.
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