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Alex
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Being fairly new to the whole fuel cell thing (or at least how it works), I have a couple questions.
I have learned so far that Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells work using the following device and process:
Why must the hydrogen be combined with oxygen at the end of the process? Why can't you recycle the hydrogen and do the process over again?
*http://www.fuelcells.org/fctypes.htm#proton
I have learned so far that Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells work using the following device and process:
*The proton exchange membrane is a thin plastic sheet that allows hydrogen ions to pass through it. The membrane is coated on both sides with highly dispersed metal alloy particles (mostly platinum) that are active catalysts. The electrolyte used is a solid organic polymer poly-perflourosulfonic acid. The solid electrolyte is an advantage because it reduces corrosion and management problems. Hydrogen is fed to the anode side of the fuel cell where the catalyst encourages the hydrogen atoms to release electrons and become hydrogen ions (protons). The electrons travel in the form of an electric current that can be utilized before it returns to the cathode side of the fuel cell where oxygen has been fed. At the same time, the protons diffuse through the membrane (electrolyte) to the cathode, where the hydrogen atom is recombined and reacted with oxygen to produce water, thus completing the overall process.
Why must the hydrogen be combined with oxygen at the end of the process? Why can't you recycle the hydrogen and do the process over again?
*http://www.fuelcells.org/fctypes.htm#proton
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