What are the key components of a hydrogen fuel cell?

The key components of a hydrogen fuel cell are the anode, cathode, electrolyte, and catalyst.

A hydrogen fuel cell is a device that generates electricity by a chemical reaction. It consists of two electrodes, an anode and a cathode, separated by an electrolyte. The anode is the negative side of the fuel cell where hydrogen gas (H2) is fed into the cell. The cathode is the positive side where oxygen gas (O2) is introduced.

The electrolyte is a substance that allows ions to move between the anode and the cathode. In a hydrogen fuel cell, the electrolyte is often a proton exchange membrane (PEM) that allows only positively charged ions (protons) to pass through it. This selective permeability is crucial for the functioning of the fuel cell.

The catalyst is a substance that speeds up the reaction without being consumed in the process. In a hydrogen fuel cell, the catalyst is typically made of platinum. It is located on the surface of the electrodes and facilitates the splitting of hydrogen gas into protons and electrons at the anode, and the combination of protons, electrons, and oxygen to form water at the cathode.

The operation of a hydrogen fuel cell involves a series of chemical reactions. At the anode, hydrogen gas is split into protons and electrons. The protons pass through the electrolyte to the cathode, while the electrons are forced to travel through an external circuit, creating an electric current. At the cathode, oxygen gas combines with the protons and electrons to form water, which is the only by-product of the reaction.

In summary, the anode, cathode, electrolyte, and catalyst are the key components of a hydrogen fuel cell. They work together to convert the chemical energy of hydrogen and oxygen into electrical energy, with water as the only waste product.