Fuel cells

Fuel cells is a type of galvanic element. You can find more about galvanic elements, by clicking the link. Fuel cells are cells that have the ability to produce electric energy, as long as enough fuel runs through the cell. There are different types of fuel cells that use different types of fuel, for example, Methane gas, methanol or ethanol, but the most fuel cells use Hydrogen gas.

Hydrogen Fuel cell As said before, a fuel cell works only as along as fuel is available. The yellow arrows show the hydrogen gas entering the cell. Two and two hydrogen atoms bond to form H2. This bond gets broken, when the Hydrogen atoms bond with the metal in the electrolyte. The hydrogen atom who only possesses one electron, gives this electron away to the metal and turns into a positive hydrogen ion. The ion can now get through the electrolyte to the other side. The electron that it has given away travels through the circuit and creates electricity. On the other side, the electron now reunites with the positive hydrogen ion and creates a hydrogen atom. This atom bonds with oxygen atoms and creates H2o, water vapor.

Fuel cells can be used in cares. Many thought this was a solution to the problem of global warming through emissions, as cars with hydrogen fuel cells only emit water vapour. You can read more about sustainable energy here.