How do fuel cells work? There are different kinds of fuel cells but they all work in much the same way. In a fuel cell layers of materials are sandwiched together to form a single galvanic cell. ‘Galvanism’ is where electricity is produced by some type of chemical action. These sandwiched materials all have distinct electrochemical properties.
In the middle of the ‘sandwich’ you will find a membrane that is only able to be crossed by charged molecules. Electrodes that allow gas inside them are coated with a catalyst and stick to the membrane. This makes a layer on either side. These electrodes are connected to a mechanism that is able to use electricity and in so doing a complete electrical circuit is created. This is the basic way in which fuel cells work.
Proton Exchange Membranes are the kind of fuel cells most often used. This is because it can operate at relatively low temperatures as well as cope with a range of impurities and high-power density. The U.S. Department of Energy believes that these types of fuel cells are the best for use in light-duty vehicles, in buildings and other applications.
How does a proton exchange membrane fuel cell function to produce power? In these kinds of fuel cells hydrogen gas moves into the channels on a single face of a cell and moves through an electrode. At the same time oxygen from the air is doing the same via the opposite electrode.
A catalyst is used to create a chemical reaction whereby hydrogen oxidizes into hydrogen protons and provide electrons to the electrode next to it. The negative charge created moves from the outer circuit to the cathode and electricity is created within the fuel cells.
This is only a temporary charge, however and a complete electrochemical cycle is needed to make it last. Once the current starts flowing, the hydrogen protons pass from anode to cathode (electrons) and these light your house or charge your battery. Afterwards the electrons return and react with oxygen and hydrogen protons. During this reaction water is formed and heat is produced. This simply means that thermal energy can be used outside of the fuel cells.
