A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell that converts the chemical energy of a fuel (often hydrogen) and an oxidizing agent (often oxygen) [1] into electricity through a pair of redox reactions. [2]

In a fuel cell, hydrogen energy is converted directly into electricity with high efficiency and low power losses. Hydrogen, therefore, is an energy carrier, which is used to move, store, and deliver energy produced from other sources.

A fuel cell uses the chemical energy of hydrogen or other fuels to cleanly and efficiently produce electricity. If hydrogen is the fuel, the only products are electricity, water, and heat.

Fuel cells can provide heat and electricity for buildings and electrical power for vehicles and electronic devices. Fuel cells work like batteries, but they do not run down or need recharging. They produce electricity and heat as long as fuel is supplied.

Jan 24, 2025 · fuel cell, any of a class of devices that convert the chemical energy of a fuel directly into electricity by electrochemical reactions. A fuel cell resembles a battery in many respects, but it can supply electrical energy over a much longer period of time.

Apr 1, 2014 · In short, fuel cells provide a cleaner, more efficient, and possibly the most flexible chemical-to-electrical energy conversion. Polymer electrolyte membrane, also proton exchange membrane, fuel cells (PEMFC) in particular are one of the most promising types already in the early commercialization stage.

NREL's fuel cell research aims to lower the cost and improve the performance and durability of fuel cell technologies for long-life, high-use applications. What is a fuel cell? A single fuel cell consists of an electrolyte sandwiched between two electrodes.

Jan 24, 2025 · Fuel cell - Development, Efficiency, Applications: The general concept of a fuel battery, or fuel cell, dates back to the early days of electrochemistry. British physicist William Grove used hydrogen and oxygen as fuels catalyzed on platinum electrodes in 1839.