Fuel Cells Foster Thompson September 25, 2017 1st and 2nd Period Mr. Ward ABSTRACT This paper will be about the amazing science of fuel cells, the science of Hydrogen as a fuel. This thesis will discuss in depth what Fuel cells do and why it will be a great advancement. Also this thesis will be describing why we should be using it in the modern day. There are also positives and negatives of this new technology that will be discussed. Being able to produce a fuel cell that uses hydrogen would change the world. This thesis will also discuss the emissions of fuel cells. This thesis will discuss what fuel cells are and how it works on the molecular level. INTRODUCTION Cars running on water, a true thought that would be presented in the far future when teleportation and flying …show more content…
Then the hydrogen atom comes in contact with platinum. This contact turns H2 into two H+ ions and two electrons (e-). The electrons are then conducted through the anode and go throughout an external circuit and then returns to the cathode side of the fuel cell. During the reaction of hydrogen, oxygen (O2) is also being forced through the cathode side of the fuel cell. Oxygen (O2) is then split into two oxygen atoms that have a very powerful negative charge. The negatively charged oxygen atoms attracts the two hydrogen ions through the membrane. The hydrogen and oxygen then combine and create power! This reaction causes about .7 volts per fuel cell. Although this is minor, there is a way to combine fuel cells which is known as fuel-cell stacking. This does allow you to gain more electricity but does have some consequences. If fuel cells are connected by bipolar plates, then they become more susceptible to oxidation of the metals. If we can eliminate this oxidation, fuel cells will be able to power our cars and other vehicles we