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What is a fuel cell?
A fuel cell is a device that generates electricity through a chemical reaction. It consists of two electrodes, called the anode and cathode, where the reactions take place. The fuel cell also contains an electrolyte, which carries electrically charged particles from one electrode to the other, and a catalyst, which speeds up the reactions at the electrodes. The basic fuel for fuel cells is hydrogen, but they also require oxygen. One of the advantages of fuel cells is that they generate electricity with minimal pollution, as the byproduct of the reaction is water [[1]].
How do fuel cells work?
The purpose of a fuel cell is to produce an electrical current that can be used to power various devices. The chemical reactions that occur in a fuel cell are key to its operation. In general terms, hydrogen atoms enter the fuel cell at the anode, where a chemical reaction strips them of their electrons. The hydrogen atoms become ionized and carry a positive electrical charge. The electrons provide the current through wires to do work. Oxygen enters the fuel cell at the cathode and combines with electrons and hydrogen ions to form water. The electrolyte in the fuel cell allows only the appropriate ions to pass between the anode and cathode, ensuring the chemical reaction proceeds smoothly. As long as a fuel cell is supplied with hydrogen and oxygen, it will continue to generate electricity [[2]].
Why can't I go out and buy a fuel cell?
While the basic workings of a fuel cell may not be difficult to understand, building inexpensive, efficient, and reliable fuel cells is a complex task. Scientists and inventors have designed different types and sizes of fuel cells to improve efficiency, but each type has its own technical details and constraints. The choice of electrolyte, such as alkali, molten carbonate, phosphoric acid, proton exchange membrane (PEM), or solid oxide, affects the design and materials used in the fuel cell. Each type of fuel cell has its advantages and drawbacks, and none are currently cheap and efficient enough to widely replace traditional power generation methods. The development of fuel cells is an ongoing process, and researchers are continuously working to improve their performance [[3]].
Different types of fuel cells:
The article mentions five main types of fuel cells:
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Alkali fuel cells (AFC): These cells operate on compressed hydrogen and oxygen and use a solution of potassium hydroxide (KOH) in water as the electrolyte. They have an efficiency of about 70% and an operating temperature of 150 to 200 degrees Celsius (about 300 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit). Alkali cells were used in Apollo spacecraft. However, they require pure hydrogen fuel and expensive platinum electrode catalysts [[4]].
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Molten Carbonate fuel cells (MCFC): MCFCs use high-temperature compounds of salt (such as sodium or magnesium) carbonates (CO3) as the electrolyte. They have an efficiency ranging from 60 to 80% and an operating temperature of about 650 degrees Celsius (1,200 degrees Fahrenheit). MCFCs can tolerate carbon monoxide "poisoning" and can recycle waste heat to generate additional electricity. However, their high temperature limits their applications and they require the injection of carbon dioxide to compensate for the used-up carbonate ions [[5]].
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Phosphoric Acid fuel cells (PAFC): PAFCs use phosphoric acid as the electrolyte. They have an efficiency ranging from 40 to 80% and an operating temperature between 150 to 200 degrees Celsius (about 300 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit). PAFCs can tolerate a certain concentration of carbon monoxide, broadening the choice of fuels they can use. However, they require platinum electrode catalysts and their internal parts must withstand the corrosive acid [[6]].
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Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells: PEM fuel cells work with a polymer electrolyte in the form of a thin, permeable sheet. They have an efficiency of about 40 to 50% and an operating temperature of about 80 degrees Celsius (about 175 degrees Fahrenheit). PEM fuel cells are suitable for homes and cars due to their low operating temperature. However, their fuels must be purified, and platinum catalysts are used on both sides of the membrane, which raises costs [[7]].
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Solid Oxide fuel cells (SOFC): SOFCs use a hard, ceramic compound of metal (such as calcium or zirconium) oxides (O2) as the electrolyte. They have an efficiency of about 60% and operate at high temperatures of about 1,000 degrees Celsius (about 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit). SOFCs can generate electricity without the need for a reformer to extract hydrogen from the fuel, and waste heat can be recycled. However, their high temperature limits their applications, and they tend to be larger in size [[8]].
These are just brief descriptions of the different types of fuel cells. More detailed information about each type, including their histories and current applications, can be found on specific parts of the website you mentioned.
I hope this information helps you understand the basics of fuel cells. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!