= Solution
\b[The hydrogen fuel cell is the more likely high-power choice at low temperature, for otherwise comparable electrodes, oxidant supply and device design.] Similar equilibrium oxidation potentials imply similar thermodynamic voltage opportunities; they do not imply similar current densities.
Hydrogen oxidation on an appropriate catalyst is relatively facile. Ammonia oxidation requires multiple bond-breaking and nitrogen-coupling steps; adsorbed intermediates can occupy catalytic sites and inhibit continued reaction. A larger anodic <activation overpotential> and slower turnover reduce the useful current and operating voltage of a low-temperature ammonia cell.
Since areal power is $P/A=jV(j)$, a cell retaining substantial voltage at a larger current density can deliver more power even when its equilibrium voltage is similar. Ammonia's favorable storage characteristics are a separate system-level consideration; a comparison of power cannot be made by counting the electrons per fuel molecule alone. This is a kinetic expectation, not a universal numerical ranking independent of catalysts, temperature and transport.
Back to article page