Fuel cells are being developed that use fuels other than hydrogen as their energy sources - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 19 - 2008 - Paper 1

To determine which fuel produces the greatest amount of CO2 per coulomb of electrical charge, we need to analyze the reactions provided in the table:

1. Methanol:

   • Produces 1 CO2 with 6 electrons (CO2/e- = 1/6 = 0.1667)

2. Ethanol:

   • Produces 2 CO2 with 12 electrons (CO2/e- = 2/12 = 0.1667)

3. Ethane:

   • Produces 2 CO2 with 14 electrons (CO2/e- = 2/14 = 0.1429)

4. Ethane-1, 2-diol:

   • Produces 2 CO2 with 10 electrons (CO2/e- = 2/10 = 0.2)

After calculating the CO2 produced per electron for each fuel, we find:

• Methanol: 0.1667
• Ethanol: 0.1667
• Ethane: 0.1429
• Ethane-1, 2-diol: 0.2

Thus, ethane-1, 2-diol produces the greatest amount of CO2 per coulomb of electrical charge generated, making the correct answer C. ethane.