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 Fuel cells generate electricity when hydrogen and oxygen are chemically combined. Water and heat are the only by-products of the chemical reaction. One of the most promising fuel cell technologies for the transportation applications is Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM). Oxygen from the air and hydrogen are fed into the fuel cell. On one side of the PEM, hydrogen reacts with a catalyst and is separated into protons and electrons. The oxygen on the other side of the PEM, attracts the hydrogen atoms but only the protons can migrate through the PEM. The electrons are directed through an external circuit creating electricity.
Another highly promising fuel cell technology is solid oxide, which usually uses a hard ceramic material instead of a liquid electrolyte to generate electricity from hydrogen. This technology could be used in industrial and large-scale central electricity generating stations. With recent advancements, some developers also see them used in small scale applications. While this system requires higher operating temperatures, one of its main advantages over PEMs is simpler and less costly fuel reforming process.
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