Over the last few years, fuel cells have emerged as the incredible technology that possesses the potential to change the way we use energy. Fuel cells are simple devices having no moving parts. These cells are widely used. Instead of just relying on fossil fuels, hydrogen fuel cells employ an electro chemical process to convert hydrogen and oxygen from air into electrical power comprising only harmless water vapor as a by-product. It is just because of its amazing features that these cells have received so much attention of media, public and even some politicians.

The fuel cells are no longer a tomorrow’s technology, the stuff of space travel and science fiction. Although fuel cells use complex and expensive technology, yet understanding fuel cell components is not a difficult task. These cells are proof that we possess safe, smart and clean alternative power sources. They certify that we have become self-sustained, and our dependence on fossil fuels will soon be obsolete. These cells are continuous batteries as they can easily persist for a long time.

The four functional fuel cell components include cathode, anode, electrolyte and the catalyst.

1. The anode: It is the negative element of the cell which conducts the electrons that are released from the hydrogen molecules to an external circuit. This also equally disperses the hydrogen gas over the surface of the catalyst.

2. The cathode: It is the positive element of the cell which channels the electrons from an external circuit to the catalyst. They recombine with hydrogen and oxygen ions to form water. This also distributes the oxygen over the surface of the catalyst.

3. The electrolyte: It is the proton exchange membrane which only conducts positively charged ions. The membrane is present to block the electrons, and it must always be hydrated in order to function and remain stable.

4. The catalyst: It is the material that facilitates the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. This is made up of platinum nano-particles that are thinly coated over a carbon paper or cloth. It is made rough and porous in order to expose the maximum surface area of platinum to hydrogen or oxygen. The platinum-coated side of the catalyst is faced by the membrane.

Today there are immense benefits of fuel cells, firstly they are not dependent on dwindling oil supplies, but instead it runs on hydrogen that is the most abundant element of the universe. Also, they are very less polluting and are about two times efficient to typical steam-turbine electricity production. These cells are an extremely fresh source of power as they combine oxygen and hydrogen.

Fuel cells are widely used in various applications. They are an ideal source of power generation and are used across the globe in different ways such as buses, boats, trains, planes, scooters, laptop computers and cell phones.These cells are used as power sources in remote locations, such as spacecraft, large parks, remote weather stations, rural locations, and also in some military applications where conventional power is difficult to obtain. Thus, fuel cells being used in different commercial and industrial applications have seriously scrutinized to turn out the key component of the nation’s plan in securing energy for the future.