Lesson Plan: Electrolysis: Application in Fuel Cell Technology

Here is a step-by-step guide to using this lesson plan in the classroom/laboratory. We have suggested these steps as a possible plan of action. You may customize the lesson plan according to your preferences and requirements.

Step 1: Topic introduction and discussion 

1. Use the teaching module, ‘Redox reactions and electrochemistry’ by Khan Academy to teach your students the basics of electrochemistry, oxidation states, oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions, half-cells, cell potentials, galvanic/voltaic cells, and electrolysis.
2. Use the in-built examples and exercises to extend your students’ understanding of various electrochemistry concepts.
3. Emphasize on the process of electrolysis and electrolytic cells.

This can be accessed here.

Step 2: Extend understanding

1. Use the teaching module, ‘Electrolysis I’ by LibreTexts^TM, UC Davis, to teach about electrolysis and to describe it quantitatively.
2. Use the tool to teach how electrolytic cells are constructed and to describe several electrolytic reactions.
3. Elaborate upon the differences between Voltaic/Galvanic and Electrolytic Cells.
4. Use the in-built examples and exercises to assess students’ understanding of electrolytic reactions.
5. Explain how an electrolysis reaction could be evaluated quantitatively.
6. Finally, discuss how electrolytic reactions could be used for commercial purposes such as electroplating and in fuel cell technology.

This can be accessed here.

Step 3: Discuss further

1. Use the case study, ‘Fuel Cells’ by LibreTexts^TM, UC Davis, to introduce fuel cells, describe how they work, and discuss the different types of fuel cells.
2. Use the tool to describe the hydrogen fuel cell that is used to generate electricity, water, and heat and is used to power vehicles and even spacecraft.
3. With no byproduct of carbon emissions, discuss how this is a cleaner alternative to fossil fuel-based energy production.
4. Describe the other fuel cell types and discuss the benefits and limitations of fuel cells.

This can be accessed here.

Step 4: Apply understanding with a set of hands on laboratory exercises

Use a set of 3 hands on laboratory exercises- ‘Intro to Fuel Cells’, ‘Build a Fuel Cell’, and ‘Fuel Cell Characterization’ by Michael Fitzgerald, Cornell Center for Materials Research, to enable your students to apply their understanding of the various electrochemistry concepts discussed in this lesson plan. You may choose to conduct all or few of these activities.

Note: All the laboratory exercises are structured as complete teaching modules- with learning objectives, background information, step-by-step instructions for conducting the activity, evaluation exercises, and discussion points- and are available for downloading.

These can be accessed at:

1. Introduction to Fuel Cells
2. Build a Fuel Cell https://www.ccmr.cornell.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/11/build-a-fuel-cell.pdf
3. Fuel Cell Characterization

Suggested questions/assignments for learning evaluation :

1. What are redox reactions?
2. What is electrolysis? Give examples of electrolytic reactions.
3. What are the differences in voltaic/galvanic and electrolytic cells?
4. Describe the functioning of a fuel cell.
5. What is the importance of fuel cell technology in the context of climate change?

The tools in this lesson plan will enable students to:

1. learn about the basics of electrochemistry, oxidation states, redox reactions, half-cells, and cell potentials
2. describe electrolysis, electrolytic cells, and their applications
3. explain what fuel cells are, describe their types, and how they work
4. discuss the importance of fuel cells as an alternative source of energy in the context of climate change