Hydrogen Fuel Cells and their Components

This flashcard set covers the key concepts and components related to hydrogen fuel cells as discussed in the lecture.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell

A device that converts chemical energy from hydrogen into electricity through a chemical reaction with oxygen.

Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell

A type of fuel cell that uses a polymer electrolyte membrane to conduct protons while blocking electrons.

Anode

The negative electrode where oxidation occurs, specifically where hydrogen is split into protons and electrons.

Cathode

The positive electrode where reduction takes place, combining oxygen, protons, and electrons to produce water.

Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA)

The core component of a PEM fuel cell, consisting of the membrane, catalyst layers, and gas diffusion layers.

Gas Diffusion Layer (GDL)

A layer that facilitates the transport of gases to the catalyst layer and removes product water.

Catalyst Layers

Layers on both sides of the membrane that enable reactions; typically contain platinum to aid in splitting hydrogen and reducing oxygen.

Bipolar Plates

Plates that separate individual fuel cells in a stack and facilitate gas flow and electrical conduction.

Electrolyte

A substance that conducts electricity by the movement of ions; found between the anode and cathode in a fuel cell.

Flow Field

A set of channels in bipolar plates that allow gases to flow over the MEA.

Efficiency of Fuel Cells

The ratio of the useful output of the fuel cell to the input of fuel, with fuel cells achieving 40 to 70 percent efficiency.

Direct Methanol Fuel Cell

A type of fuel cell that uses methanol directly as fuel, able to operate at low temperatures.