Fuel cell

A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that converts a fuel’s chemical energy and an oxidant’s energy directly into electricity through a continuous reaction.

Proton-exchange membrane fuel cell: A fuel cell that conducts protons through a polymer membrane and commonly uses hydrogen and oxygen. It shows how a specific electrolyte separates reactants while allowing charge-carrying protons through.
Electrochemical cell: A device in which redox reactions and ion transport produce or consume electrical energy. Fuel cells belong to this broader class of devices.
Hydrogen vehicle: A vehicle that uses hydrogen as an energy carrier, often converting it to electricity in a fuel cell. Fuel cells can power electric drivetrains while producing water at the vehicle.
Battery: An electrochemical device that stores energy in reactants contained within it and delivers electricity as they are consumed. Unlike a fuel cell, a battery generally carries its reactants internally rather than receiving fuel continuously.
Hydrogen economy: An energy system in which hydrogen serves as a significant carrier, fuel, or industrial feedstock. Fuel cells are a major proposed end use shaping arguments about hydrogen infrastructure.
Solid oxide fuel cell: A fuel cell that uses a ceramic electrolyte to conduct oxide ions, typically at high temperatures. Its ion-conduction mechanism illustrates how fuel cells can operate without a proton-conducting membrane.
Redox: A chemical process involving electron transfer, with oxidation and reduction occurring together. Fuel-cell electricity arises from separating the electron-transfer steps of a redox reaction.
Fuel cell bus: A bus propelled by electric motors whose electricity is supplied wholly or partly by fuel cells. Buses are a prominent transport application where centralized refueling can support hydrogen use.
Internal combustion engine: A heat engine that burns fuel inside a working chamber to produce mechanical power. Fuel cells convert chemical energy electrochemically instead of first producing heat and motion.
Hydrogen production: Industrial and emerging methods for making hydrogen from water, hydrocarbons, or other feedstocks. A fuel cell’s lifecycle impact depends strongly on how its hydrogen is produced.

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