Energy converter, electrochemical mechanism

This process leads to the development of a voltage difference between anode and cathode and when the external circuit is open , this potential difference is the electromotive force (the e.m.f.) of the cell. When there is an electrical load in the external circuit, for example a motor, then a current will flow and electrochemical energy is converted into mechanical energy. 

This technology has even produced hybrid and electric vehicles that operate on battery power and can convert the mechanical energy of braking into stored electrochemical power to recharge and run the car continuously. 

In view of the electrochemical mechanisms of corrosion, the tendency for a metal to corrode can also be expressed in terms of the electromotive force (emf) of the corrosion cells that are an integral part of the corrosion process. Since electrical energy is expressed as the product of volts by coulombs Ovules, J), the relation between AG in joules and emf in volts, E, is defined by AG = -nFE, where n is the number of electrons (or chemical equivalents) taking part in the reaction, and F is the Faraday (96,500C/eq). The term AG can be converted from calories to joules by using the factor 1 cal = 4.184 absolute joules. 

Use of Isotopic Effects in the Determination of Electro-Organic Reaction Mechanisms. Much work has been carried out on the mechanism by which hydrocarbons can be clectrochemically oxidized. Were that easy, it might be possible to use available oil in electrochemical devices (fuel cells) to convert chemical to electrical energy 2—3 times more efficiently than do heat engines (Chapter 13). 

While batteries and fuel cells used to be the subject of a chapter in electrochemical books, the decision of the Daimler-Benz company in 1997 to develop fuel cells for the electric drive in their cars brought the fuel cell into clear focus the battery suddenly took second place to environmentally friendly cars. The fuel cell directly converts the energy of chemical reactions to electricity and without moving parts, in contrast to the two-stage method of our present way of obtaining electricity (heat to mechanical work and mechanical work to a generator). Batteries store electricity produced elsewhere, and make it instantly available when a circuit is closed. They have their own market independently of whether they will be used in any automotive applications. 

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