Chapter 18, Problem 127AE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reactions taking place in a fuel cell in a given mixture of ${\text{CeO}}_2$ and ${\text{Gd}}_2{\text{O}}_3$ and having Carbon monoxide as a fuel is given. The cell potential for this fuel at the given temperature conditions is to be calculated.

Concept introduction:

Gibbs free energy is basically the maximum amount of non-expansion work done. Therefore, it is represented as,

$W_{\max }=\Delta G°$

The maximum amount of work that is done by an electrochemical cell is given as,

$W_{\max }=nFE{°}_{\text{cell}}$

The relationship between Gibbs free energy change and equilibrium constant is given by the formula,

$\Delta G°=-nFE{°}_{\text{cell}}$

To determine: The cell potential for the given fuel cell at the given temperature conditions