Fuel cells

• Fuel cell


  A cell that generates electricity through a chemical reaction, using a fuel such as hydrogen
• Hydrogen fuel cell operation

  1. Hydrogen molecules split into hydrogen ions and electrons at the negative electrode

  2. Oxygen molecules combine with the electrons and hydrogen ions at the positive electrode to form water
• Negative electrode reaction


  2H2 forms 4H+ and 4e-
• Hydrogen fuel cells use hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, with water as the only waste product
• Advantages of hydrogen fuel cells

  • Produce electricity as long as hydrogen is provided
  • Do not degrade in efficiency over time
  • Can produce drinking water
• Disadvantages of hydrogen fuel cells

  • Hydrogen is an explosive gas and difficult to store safely
  • Produce a relatively low potential difference