Fuel Cells

This teaching and learning package provides a short summary of four of the most promising fuel cell technologies. It gives a general overview of the field with focus on materials used (electrolytes and electrodes) and the mechanism of function (electrochemistry and thermodynamics).

Cover image: Fuel cell stack with components (Image courtesy of L-B-Systemtechnik GmbH)

Aims Before you start Introduction The principle History of the technology Types of fuel cells Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) • Electrolyte • Electrode materials • Interconnection • Thermodynamics • System and outlook Molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs) • Electrolyte • Electrochemistry • Electrodes Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) • Membrane • Electrodes and membrane-electrode assembly • Efficiency and reaction conditions Fuelling requirements Case study: Fuelling practicalities Summary Questions Going further

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First created: April 2006. Last updated: July 2006.