How do polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells work?

Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells, also called proton exchange membrane fuel cells, use a proton-conducting polymer membrane as the electrolyte. Hydrogen is typically used as the fuel. These cells operate at relatively low temperatures and can quickly vary their output to meet shifting power demands.

How do proton exchange membrane fuel cells work?

A proton exchange membrane fuel cell transforms the chemical energy liberated during the electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen to electrical energy, as opposed to the direct combustion of hydrogen and oxygen gases to produce thermal energy.

How does a membrane electrode assembly work?

The Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) is the core component of a fuel cell that helps produce the electrochemical reaction needed to separate electrons. A typical MEA is composed of a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM), two catalyst layers, and two Gas Diffusion Layers (GDL).

How do solid oxide fuel cells work?

Solid oxide fuel cells produce electricity, movement of electrons. Oxide ions with free electrons travel from the cathode to the anode through the electrolyte. At the anode, oxide ions react with hydrogen forming water (steam) and with carbon monoxide (CO) forming carbon dioxide (CO2).

What is a polymer electrolyte fuel cell?

Polymer electrolyte fuel cells are electrochemical devices, converting the chemical energy of fuel directly into electrical energy. The working principle of PEFCs is based on the anode-oxidation of hydrogen (fuel) to protons: (3.1) and the reduction of oxygen to water at the cathode: (3.2)

What are the four main parts of a PEMFC?

What are the four main parts of a PEMFC?

• the catalyst, the battery, the cathode and the anode. the anode, the cathode, the electrolyte and the catalyst.
• the electrolyte, the catalyst, the anode and the generator.

Which electrolyte is used in PEMFC?

The electrolyte material used in PEMFCs is a copolymer of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) and polysulfonyl fluoride vinyl ether. The polymer is stable in both oxidative and reductive environments and has high protonic conductivity (0.2 S/cm) at typical PEMFC operating temperatures.

What are the four main parts of a Pemfc?

How do ethanol fuel cells work?

Ethanol is oxidized at the anode, in the presence of steam and a platinum catalyst, to produce hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and electrons. Because ethanol is hydrogen-rich, it produces more energy per kilogram than do fuels like methanol or pure hydrogen. The result is more energy per volume of fuel.