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Exploring PEM fuel cells: How to convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity?
With the increasing human demand for renewable energy, the development of fuel cells is evolving rapidly. Among them, proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) have gradually become an important choice for future energy transformation due to their high efficiency and applicability. The working principle of PEM fuel cells is based on the chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. This article will explore in depth how this technology operates and its application potential.
PEM fuel cells are a type of fuel cell that converts the chemical energy of hydrogen and oxygen into electrical energy, rather than generating thermal energy like traditional combustion methods.
Structure and working principle of PEM fuel cell
The main component of the PEM fuel cell is the membrane electrode assembly (MEA), which is composed of electrodes, electrolytes, catalysts and gas diffusion layers. The key is a polymer electrolyte membrane with proton conductivity, which allows hydrogen ions (protons) to pass through but does not allow electrons to flow through, thereby achieving the generation of electric current.
During operation, hydrogen is introduced into the anode side of the fuel cell and decomposed into protons and electrons under the action of a catalyst. This oxidation reaction causes protons to move through the membrane to the cathode side, and electrons to create an electric current through an external circuit. At the same time, oxygen is transported to the cathode side and reacts with protons passing through the membrane and electrons from the outside to produce water and electricity.
The key to PEM fuel cells is that the polymer membrane they use must be able to handle moisture. Too much or too little moisture will affect the performance of the battery.
Advantages and Challenges
Advantages
PEM fuel cells have several significant advantages that make them technologically attractive. First, PEMFCs operate at lower temperatures, typically between 50 and 100°C, which means they can operate stably in cold environments. Second, PEM fuel cells are lightweight and efficient, making them suitable for transportation applications and showing potential as a renewable energy source.
Challenge
However, PEM fuel cells still face several challenges. One of them is the issue of water management. The presence of water is crucial. Too much water will cause flooding of the membrane, while too little water will dry out the membrane, increase resistance, and damage battery performance. In addition, catalysts are susceptible to poisoning by contaminants such as carbon monoxide, which is particularly important in systems using reformed gas.
The working principle of PEM fuel cells relies on precise moisture management, which is a major challenge for current technology.
Future direction
As technology develops, the emergence of new materials and designs may overcome some of the challenges currently faced by PEM fuel cells. For example, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been studied as potential electrolyte materials with higher proton conductivity and stability, and may become a key technology for next-generation PEM fuel cells.
In addition, the continuously optimized fuel cell structure, such as improved gas diffusion layer and electrode design, also helps to increase the overall efficiency and improve the durability and stability of the fuel cell.
Conclusion
PEM fuel cells show great potential in the energy transition, both in transportation and stationary power applications. However, as this technology advances, we can’t help but wonder: Can hydrogen energy be widely used in the future?
