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Alternative Fuels - Hydrogen Fuel Cells

A hydrogen fuel cell is a cell in which an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen fuel and oxygen (oxidant) takes place. This reaction produces electrical energy continuously as long as the fuel and oxidant are available. A hydrogen fuel cell reaction involves converting oxygen and hydrogen to water and during this process electricity is generated. A commonly known example of a fuel cell is a battery. Fuel cells unlike batteries however do not contain all the chemicals inside of the cell. Hydrogen fuel cells have oxygen and hydrogen constantly flowing through the cell from a storage tank. The constant supply of chemicals enables the cell to continue to run while fuel is available.

There are many different fuel cells, and most are classified by the electrolyte they use. An electrolyte is the ion conducting material within a cell. The most promising electrolyte for the auto industry is the proton exchange membrane (PEM).

The basic components of a hydrogen fuel cell are the anode, cathode, PEM (also known as the electrolyte) and catalyst. Hydrogen is passed through the channels on the anode side, and oxygen through channels on the cathode side. A catalyst, platinum powder, is often used to speed up the reaction on the anode side. The electrolyte only allows the conduction of positively charged ions (hydrogen ions) through from the anode side to the cathode side. The liberated electrons from the incoming hydrogen molecules are forced to travel around the membrane forming an electric circuit. These electrons can power an electric device such as a car motor. Once the electron reaches the cathode side, the hydrogen ions, oxygen and electron come together to form water.

Some potential uses of hydrogen fuel cell technology are transportation, emergency backup power, off-grid power storage, and portable electronics.

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