Fuel Cells: The Powerful and Efficient Alternative Energy Source of the Future What is a Fuel Cell? Fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction, without combustion. They convert chemical energy stored in hydrogen fuel into electricity via an electrochemical process. Different types of fuel cells are being developed for various applications including transportation, stationary, and portable power. Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells Proton exchange membrane fuel cells, also known as polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells, are highly efficient and mainly used for transportation and stationary power applications. In a PEM fuel cell, hydrogen gas is supplied to the anode and oxygen or air is supplied to the cathode. Hydrogen molecules enter the anode where they are split into positive hydrogen ions (protons) and negatively charged electrons by a catalyst, typically platinum. The protons travel through the proton exchange membrane to the cathode, while the electrons are forced to travel an external circuit and generate direct current electricity. At the cathode, oxygen reacts with the protons and electrons to form water. The PEM fuel cell's polymer membrane electrolyte allows only the passage of positively charged hydrogen ions, blocking electrons. Get More Insights On Fuel Cell https://articlescad.com/fuel-cells-the-powerful-and-efficient-alternative-energy-source-of-the-future-106190.html