Also known as: Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell, PEM, PEMFC Description: The proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is the technology that is
most likely to power cars, buses and homes in the future.
There are four main components to a PEM fuel cell: The anode (negative
terminal), cathode (positive terminal), catalyst (a special material that
facilitates the reaction), and electrolyte. The electrolyte in this type of
fuel cell is the proton exchange membrane, which resembles plastic wrap. It
conducts positively charged ions and blocks electrons. The membrane must be
hydrated in order to function properly.
The net chemical reaction in a fuel cell like this is as follows:
2H2 + O2 => 2H2O; Hydrogen in the fuel
plus oxygen from the atmosphere combine to produce energy and water as a
byproduct.
Since each fuel cell creates a voltage potential of less than one volt,
several cells are combined in a fuel cell stack to produce sufficient
voltage to power a vehicle or other device. |
