How do hydrogen fuel cells work?

Answer 1

The hydrogen fuel cell operates similar to a battery. It has two electrodes, an anode and a cathode, separated by a membrane. Oxygen passes over one electrode and hydrogen over the other.The hydrogen reacts to a catalyst on the electrode anode that converts the hydrogen gas into negatively charged electrons (e-) and positively charged ions.The electrons flow out of the cell to be used as electrical energy. The hydrogen ions move through the electrolyte membrane to the cathode electrode where they combine with oxygen and the electrons to produce water. Unlike batteries, fuel cells never run out. In principle, a fuel cell operates like a battery. Unlike a battery, a fuel cell does not run down or require recharging. It will produce energy in the form of electricity and heat as long as fuel is supplied.

Answer 2

Hydrogen fuel cells work by converting the chemical energy stored in hydrogen gas into electrical energy through electrochemical reactions. Hydrogen is fed into the anode of the fuel cell, where it is split into protons and electrons. The protons move through an electrolyte while the electrons flow through an external circuit, generating electricity. The protons and electrons recombine at the cathode with oxygen from the air to form water, the only byproduct of the process.