What is it?

A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that transforms the chemical energy of a fuel (hydrogen, methanol, natural gas, gasoline etc.) and an oxidant (air or oxygen) into electrical energy. The fuel and the oxidant react at two different electrodes – the anode and the cathode – and are separated by an electrolyte that transmits ions (e.g. H+, OH- etc.) from one electrode to the other. Fuel cells have many similarities with batteries, but with the fundamental difference that the electrodes are not consumed in the process – a fuel cell will run as long as fuel and oxidant (air) is provided to the electrodes.

Variations

Today, there are many types of fuel cells in the industry. These variations are usually influenced by the choice of electrolyte. The type of electrolyte chosen will affect design, type of fuel, and materials and equipment involved.

The structure of a fuel cell system can take the form of either a stack or planar system. A fuel cell “stack” is formed when groups of cells are layered and combined in series. Fuel cell stacks generally require bipolar plates and thick end plates, as well as additional components such as pumps and fans. A planar fuel cell has a simpler design and is formed when the cells are placed on a flat surface, next to each other, in succession, with opposing electrodes connected. A planar passive fuel cell does not require anything else other than a fuel supply; the air needed for the reactions flow in automatically from the surroundings.

myFC’s FuelCellSticker™

myFC specializes in the development of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell, also known as Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC).

myFC’s FuelCellSticker™ utilizes hydrogen as a fuel, with air (oxygen) as an oxidant. With the use of hydrogen as a fuel, the only by-product generated is water, which evaporates into the surrounding air. myFC’s FuelCellSticker™ is planar in design, and its compactness makes it ideal for integration into mobile applications of all sizes. Read more about the benefits of myFC’s FuelCellSticker™

How does it work?

A proton-conducting polymer membrane is sandwiched between a cathode and an anode.

At the anode, upon reaction with a catalyst, the hydrogen gas separates into protons (positively charged hydrogen ions) and electrons.

The protons are conducted to the cathode, through the polymer electrolyte membrane, while the electrons travel along the circuit, producing a current. The electrolyte plays a key role in only allowing the positive hydrogen ions to pass though, obstructing the negatively charged electrons. The chemical reaction would be short circuited if free electrons were to pass through.

At the cathode, the hydrogen ions and electrons combine with oxygen (from the air), forming water vapor/water. The fuel cell will generate electricity as long as it is supplied with hydrogen and oxygen from the air.