Size difference between Hydrogen ion and electron?

In summary, the impermeability of electrons in the electrolyte of hydrogen fuel cells is due to the acidic, solid organic polymer material that forms a thin and fragile sheet. This material allows for the passage of hydrogen ions but prevents the movement of electrons due to electrostatic repulsion. The protons, however, are able to move freely through the fixed anionic sites. There is no sorting of subatomic particles by size within the molecular structure.
  • #1
rizwanibn
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While studying the generation of electricity using hydrogen fuel cells, I came across a point that

"The electrolyte is a thin, fragile sheet of acidic, solid organic polymer about 50 microns (2 thousandths of an inch) thick which permits the passage of Hydrogen ions but is impermeable to electrons."
So i would like to confirm that the impermeability of electrons is due to it's larger size.

Can you please help?
Thank you.
 
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  • #2
rizwanibn said:
acidic, solid organic polymer
 
  • #3
So it is because of the acidic nature of the electrolyte. Right?
 
  • #4
The polymer cannot move, it can only ionize to protons, and immobile negatively charged, anionic functional groups. Electrostatic repulsion prevents movement of any negatively charged ions, particles, through the polymer film. The protons move through freely from one fixed anionic site to the next. There is no sorting of subatomic particles by size going on in any molecular scale structure.
 
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  • #5
Thank
Bystander said:
The polymer cannot move, it can only ionize to protons, and immobile negatively charged, anionic functional groups. Electrostatic repulsion prevents movement of any negatively charged ions, particles, through the polymer film. The protons move through freely from one fixed anionic site to the next. There is no sorting of subatomic particles by size going on in any molecular scale structure.
Thank You Very Much.
 
  • #6
You are quite welcome.
 

Related to Size difference between Hydrogen ion and electron?

1. What is the size difference between a Hydrogen ion and an electron?

The size difference between a Hydrogen ion and an electron is significant. A Hydrogen ion has a diameter of approximately 120 picometers (pm), while an electron has a diameter of only 0.0000000000000021 pm. This means that a Hydrogen ion is about 57 billion times larger than an electron.

2. How does the size of a Hydrogen ion compare to other ions?

The size of a Hydrogen ion is relatively small compared to other ions. For example, a Sodium ion has a diameter of approximately 190 pm, which is significantly larger than a Hydrogen ion. This is due to the difference in the number of protons and electrons in each ion.

3. What is the reason for the size difference between a Hydrogen ion and an electron?

The size difference between a Hydrogen ion and an electron is due to the fact that an ion is a charged particle, while an electron is a subatomic particle with a negative charge. The positive charge of a Hydrogen ion is spread out over the entire ion, making it larger than an electron which has a concentrated negative charge.

4. Can the size of a Hydrogen ion or an electron change?

The size of a Hydrogen ion or an electron cannot change, as they are fundamental particles with fixed sizes. However, the distance between these particles can change depending on the surrounding environment and the forces acting upon them.

5. How is the size of a Hydrogen ion and an electron measured?

The size of a Hydrogen ion and an electron can be measured using various techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and spectroscopy. These methods allow scientists to determine the size and structure of these particles at the atomic level.

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