A fuel cell is typically a form of energy generator, one like a battery. Yet, unlike batteries, they do not run out of energy nor does it require it to be recharged. So how do fuel cells work?
The build of a fuel cell is generally the same. They consist of two electrodes that are dipped into electrolytes. Basically, one of the electrodes would receive the oxygen molecules from the electrolytes, while the other electrode will receive hydrogen molecules. This interaction will generate electricity, water, and heat. The electrodes that receive the different molecules are actually not of a random interaction. There are actually two different types of electrode; one is an anode, and the other, a cathode. The hydrogen molecules are attracted to the anode, and oxygen molecules to the cathode.
How do fuel cells work? As the molecules are actually atoms, which are in turn made out of neurons, protons, and electrons, a chemical reaction with the electrode's type of catalyst would split the protons and electrons of the atoms. The protons would then swim through the electrolyte, as the electrons are pulled through the catalyst and becomes a current, in which we recognize as electricity. This current is travelling towards the cathode through the means of wires, where it can be reunited with the hydrogen and oxygen atoms in the water molecule. This current can be made directed elsewhere to be utilized before it returns back to the cathode, and reunite with the molecules to form water. It is important for the appropriate amount of protons and electrons to be present in the electrolyte. If other substances were present or extra electrons are available, the whole process will be disrupted.
There are different types of fuel cells that operate in only of slight differences. The similarity of all these are that hydrogen atoms would be present for their electrons to be stripped off for the chemical reaction to become a current. Hydrogen atoms are important as they tend to react with many different types of catalysts. Each of their atoms also has very little electrons, so it is easier to strip the electrons off them.
This is a clean process unlike most fuel which will have combustions; the fuel cell is based on chemical reactions where there are only minor emissions that usually occur with the presence of electricity. Also, as they are only made out of chemical reactions, the process can be repeated over and over again, unlike conventional fuels that combust and succumbs to thermodynamic laws where it is available in only a limited amount.
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