Hydrogen as a Source of Energy

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	Hydrogen and Fuel Cells
	What is Fuel Cell? \| New England and Fuel Cell Use \| How Can Hydrogen Be Generated? \| Rates of Fuel Cell Use \| Fuels Cells and Cars \| Use of Fuel Cells \| Sources



	What is a Fuel Cell? Fuel Cells A fuel cell works by taking an input fuel (most of the time it is hydrogen) an reacting it chemically to produce an electric current. Within the cell, there is a platinum anode and a cathode separated by a membrane. The platinum reacts with the hydrogen gas and breaks it apart into positive ions (H+) and negative ions (electrons). Both of the particles, electrons and hydrogen protons, are attracted to the cathode which is situated on the other side of the cell, across the membrane. Only the protons can pass through the membrane. The ions combine with the oxygen (taken from the air)to form water (the by product of hydrogen fuel cells) and the electrons are channeled to create an electric current which can be used to power anything.

	Why are fuel cells better than batteries or fossil fuels? It operates without making much noise or pollution. The fuel in a fuel cell is never combusted, it is merely heated. Unlike batteries, that have to be thrown out once "dead", Fuel Cells can operate for an indefinite amount of time so long as hydrogen (or whatever fuel the particular cell uses) is being supplied. Unlike fossil fuels that produce CO2 and other green houses gases, the by product of Fuel Cells is water

Why Hydrogen?

Hydrogen is used as a fuel to produce energy because unlike other chemicals, the by product of its ionization is water. It is also fairly abundant and can be stored safely under conditions very similar to gasoline.

Cons of Fuel Cells and Hydrogen as a source of Energy:

They are not widely used or produce so they are still pretty pricey.

The membrane that divides the anode and cathode must be developed in a way that it lasts longer. This has been difficult to achieve because the membrane must withstand temperatures of over 100 degrees celcious and ambient temperatures under 0 degrees celcius.

Since the membrane always has to be wet in order for it to work, the membrane cannot exist in temperatures under zero degrees celcius.

In relation to cars, scientist face an issue regarding the storage of hydrogen and sufficient cells to be able to equal the mileage a car would get out of a full tank (about 300 miles).