Fuel cell

Definition

A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that converts the chemical energy of a fuel, such as hydrogen, directly into electricity through a reaction with oxygen. Unlike batteries, fuel cells require a continuous supply of fuel and oxidant to sustain the chemical reaction.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fuel cells operate based on redox reactions where fuel is oxidized at the anode and oxygen is reduced at the cathode.
2. The most common type of fuel cell uses hydrogen as its primary fuel and produces water and heat as byproducts.
3. Fuel cells are characterized by their electrolyte material, leading to different types such as Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) and Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC).
4. The efficiency of a fuel cell can exceed that of traditional combustion engines because it directly converts chemical energy to electrical energy without intermediate steps.
5. Fuel cells can be stacked in series to increase voltage output for higher power applications.

Review Questions

• What are the primary components required for a fuel cell to generate electricity?
• Explain how redox reactions are involved in the operation of a fuel cell.
• Why do you think fuel cells can be more efficient than combustion engines?

Related terms

Electrolyte: A substance that conducts ions and is essential for completing the electrical circuit within electrochemical cells, including both batteries and fuel cells.

Anode: The electrode where oxidation occurs in an electrochemical cell, releasing electrons into the external circuit.

Cathode: The electrode where reduction takes place in an electrochemical cell, accepting electrons from the external circuit.