How do fuel cells work?

Fuel cells work by converting chemical energy from a fuel into electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction rather than combustion.

Here’s a simple explanation of how they work:

1. Basic Setup:
   A fuel cell has three main parts:
   • Anode (negative side)
   • Cathode (positive side)
   • Electrolyte (a special material that allows certain ions to pass through but blocks electrons).
2. Fuel Input:
   • Hydrogen gas is supplied to the anode.
   • Oxygen (usually from air) is supplied to the cathode.
3. At the Anode:
   • Hydrogen molecules split into protons (H⁺) and electrons (e⁻).
   • The electrolyte lets only protons pass through to the cathode.
   • The electrons cannot pass through the electrolyte, so they travel through an external circuit, creating an electric current that can power devices.
4. At the Cathode:
   • Oxygen from the air combines with the protons (H⁺) and electrons (e⁻) that have traveled through the circuit.
   • This reaction forms water (H₂O) as the only by-product.
5. Overall Process:
   • Hydrogen + Oxygen → Water + Electricity + Heat

Key Points:

• Fuel cells are clean, producing mainly water as waste.
• They run continuously as long as hydrogen and oxygen are supplied.
• They are more efficient than combustion engines.