Fuel cells
A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell that converts the chemical energy from a fuel into electricity through an electrochemical reaction of hydrogen fuel with oxygen or another oxidizing agent. A fuel cell produces electricity through a chemical reaction, but without combustion. It converts hydrogen and oxygen into water and in the process also creates electricity. It is an electro-chemical energy conversion device that produces electricity, water, and heat. Fuel cells operate much like a battery, except they do not require electrical recharging. There are several types of fuel cells currently under development, each with its own advantages, limitations, and potential applications. The following types of fuel cells known as polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, direct methanol fuel cells, alkaline fuel cells, phosphoric acid fuel cells, molten carbonate fuel cells, solid oxide fuel cells, reversible fuel cells.
Benefits of fuel cells are Environmental Performance (Since hydrogen fuel cells do not produce air pollutants or greenhouse gasses, they can significantly improve our environment), Health Benefits (Hydrogen fuel cells only produce heat and water no toxins, particles, or greenhouse gasses, which means cleaner air for us to breathe), Energy Efficiency (Fuel cells are 2 to 3 times more efficient than combustion engines. For co-generation applications, where fuel cells generate both heat and electricity), Fuel Flexibility (can operate in a clean manner using different fuels including hydrogen, natural gas, methanol, ethanol, biogas), Complementary (Fuel cells can readily be combined with other energy technologies, such as batteries, wind turbines, solar panels, and super-capacitors).
Edelweiss publications maintaining the journal of Nanomaterial chemistry and technology which accepts all the original manuscripts related to Fuel cell.
PDF
