Hydrogen Fuel Cell

Hydrogen fuel cells are composed of two electrodes (a cathode and an anode) divided by an electrolyte membrane. Electricity is generated through an electrochemical reaction, similar to electric batteries, where chemical energy is converted into electric energy. Hydrogen fuel cells can be used to power anything from commercial vehicles to drones.

Popular processes to produce hydrogen fuel cells include the harnessing of natural gas, with carbon dioxide as the by-product, and via electrolysis. The first method is less environmentally friendly yet the most popular in the industry so far. However, the second method is not only nearly carbon-neutral but is also capable of producing water by combining hydrogen with oxygen.

Current hydrogen fuel cells are less efficient than traditional electric batteries, but when mixed with air, hydrogen fuel cells display more favorable results, producing electricity roughly 40 percent more efficiently than combustion engine technology.