Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Authors Avatar
Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Are They Really The Answer?

By: Samah Syed

Course Code: SCH4Ub

Date: October 28, 2009

Hydrogen is one of the simplest however most prominent element in the universe. Containing only one proton and one electron, the hydrogen element is combined majority of the time with other elements. By having zero to zero gas emissions and by being an energy carrier; hydrogen is the next eco-friendly step on this planet. Since hydrogen-fuel cells contain a high energy and creating almost no pollution, these fuel-cells will contribute to our planet socioeconomically and environmentally.

By using hydrogen-fuel cells in our cars; the internal combustion engine in cars which are very inefficient will slowly decrease and fade out of the economy. Hydrogen fuel cells are very attractive to cars because of their efficiency and the fact that they use water vapour instead of carbon dioxide. Hydrogen fuel cells contain two electrodes (anode and a cathode) similar to a battery and produces electricity while the reactants are supplied continuously from an external source. Fuel is fed continuously to the anode while the cathode is being feeding the oxidant. The electrolyte layer that acts as a doorway allows ions to pass through however no electrons because they are being forced into the external circuit creating a chemical reaction. One important factor about the hydrogen fuel cells is that it will continue to supply fuel until the fuel (hydrogen being an unlimited resource) has finished. Hydrogen fuel cells do not require electrical recharging and can generate power almost indefinitely as well. These fuel cells convert approximately 80% of the chemical energy into kinetic energy making the hydrogen fuel cell economically and environmentally better. Hydrogen fuel cells can also be produced by the electrolysis of water by using solar, hydro or wind power. These renewable sources will make the process emissions-free and the use of fossil fuels or natural gases emissions will decrease because of hydrogen fuel cells. Therefore, hydrogen-fuel cells produces electricity as long as the fuel (hydrogen) is supplied therefore never losing its charge.
Join now!


Hydrogen-fuel cells can be a solution to the need for clean energy. By having a new technological development such as the hydrogen-fuel cells; the need for clean air or energy will be gone. The quality of life needs to improve and by having hydrogen as an energy carrier and being part of fuel cells, this can result in an enabling technology. Hydrogen-fuel cells are a critical component to the environment because this will improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and extend the life of fossil fuels as well. By having an unlimited fuel supply that doesn't contribute ...

This is a preview of the whole essay