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Fuel Cells

Fuel cells gain there energy by reversing electrolysis. By combining hydrogen and oxygen from an outside source, the fuel cell makes electricity like a battery only it never needs to be recharged because the fuel comes from outside. There is no combustion or moving parts so the cell will last longer.

The fuel is any substance that makes hydrogen and oxygen ions. By recombining to form the more stable water, energy is given off in the form of an electric current. Often natural gas is used as the fuel for the fuel cell, creating some pollution including carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. There are many other details on the processes within a fuel cell from the Fuel Cell Commercialization Group and the American Hydrogen Association.

Fuel cells can be used in stationary power supply, cars, buses, and many other possibilities. They can burn a variety of fuels including fossil fuels, biofuels, alcohols, and hydrogen. Natural gas is used because it is easiest to attain and burns cleaner than the other fossil fuels. If hydrogen could be easily obtained, it would be the first choice for the fuel. Still, fuel cells fueled by natural gas do not pollute as much because the main energy comes from the reverse electrolysis and not the gas' combustion. Fuel cells are batteries that can constantly be refueled without pollution and with many applications.

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