Why in the news?

Researchers at the University of Kerala have devised an eco-friendly fuel cell that primarily utilizes air and seawater to generate power.

Magnesium – Copper -Cupric Oxide Fuel Cell

A semiconducting layer of Cupric Oxide grown over Copper substrate was used in a Magnesium- Sodium Chloride based fuel cell.
It breathes air; produces only electricity and heat during its operation and emits pure water.
The prototype, measuring 3 cm × 1.5 cm × 1 cm, delivered a voltage of 0.7 V and a current of 0.35 A for a duration of 10 minutes, showcasing the potential for practical application.

A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell that converts the chemical energy into electricity of a fuel and an oxidizing agent.
It generates electrical energy from fuel through an electrochemical reaction, offering high efficiency and zero emissions.
They are an innovative technology poised to revolutionize electricity generation, often referred to as the “battery of the future“.
Fuel cells provide high efficiency, low emissions, and can be used in various applications.
Note: Any electrochemical cell generates DC (Direct Current) output.

This innovative fuel cell technology is anticipated to disrupt the market dominance of Lithium-ion batteries, offering a higher power output.
Unlike conventional batteries, the Magnesium-based fuel cells utilized in this research operate by utilizing saline water as fuel and extracting oxygen from the surrounding air.

With reference to ‘fuel cells’ in which hydrogen-rich fuel and oxygen are used to generate electricity, consider the following statements :

1. If pure hydrogen is used as a fuel, the fuel cell emits heat and water as by-products.

2. Fuel cells can be used for powering buildings and not for small devices like laptop computers.

3. Fuel cells produce electricity in the form of Alternating Current (AC).

Which of the statements given above is / are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3