How do hydrogen fuel cells work?
Hydrogen fuel cells are made through a REDOX (reduction/oxidation) reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. This process directly converts energy into electricity, using hydrogen as the fuel and combining it with oxygen from the air to create an electrochemical cell. The end result is emissions made of electricity and water vapor.
A fuel cell is composed of two electrodes, an electrolyte, fuel (hydrogen), and a power supply. The reduction and oxidation reaction happens through a multi-step process involving the anode, the cathode, and the electrolyte membrane.
At the negatively-charged anode site, hydrogen molecules are split into electrons and protons. The electrons are then forced through a circuit where they generate an electric current and excess heat. The protons go on to the electrolyte membrane. At the cathode, the protons, electrons, and oxygen combine to produce water molecules. Flow plates facilitate the transfer between the anode and cathode.