Introduction to Hydrogen Fuel Cells
A pile à combustible hydrogène (hydrogen fuel cell) is a device that generates electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. This technology was first discovered in 1839 by William Grove, a British lawyer and amateur chemist.
Definition: A fuel cell directly converts the chemical energy from combustion into electrical energy, heat, and water.
Hydrogen fuel cells operate based on the [oxidation-reduction]https://knowunity.fr/knows/ens−scient−reaction−doxydo−reduction−808cf1ee−07ab−4074−9b80−9c3fc4a4dbea?utmsource=seolink mechanism, where one molecule is oxidized and another is reduced. The cell consists of two distinct electrodes:
- An oxidizing anode
- A reducing cathode
These electrodes are separated by catalysts called electrolytes, which play a crucial role in facilitating electron transfer.
Vocabulary: Electrolyte - A substance that conducts electricity when dissolved, usually in the form of ions.
In a hydrogen fuel cell, the anode receives hydrogen while the cathode receives oxygen typicallyfromair. The process is relatively simple - the anode causes oxidation of the fuel, releasing electrons.
Highlight: Hydrogen fuel cells can be used in various applications, particularly in the transportation sector and for powering electronic devices like phones and computers.