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A fuel cell is a power generation solution which generates electricity—and, in many cases, heat—through an electrochemical process called oxidation, which involves the interaction between hydrogen (or hydrogen-containing fuel) with oxygen.

How Fuel Cells Work Hydrogen power generation diagram

Diagram of how a fuel cell works

A. ANODE

Fuel containing hydrogen is channeled to the anode, where a catalyst would split the hydrogen atoms into positive hydrogen ions (protons) and negatively charged electrons.

B. ELECTROLYTE

The function of the electrolyte is to allow only the hydrogen ions (but not the electrons) to pass through it to the cathode. The hydrogen ions travel from the anode to the cathode through the electrolyte.

C. CATHODE

At the cathode, the hydrogen ions that pass through electrolyte combine with oxygen in the air to form water.

D. ELECTRICITY

Electrons travel along an external circuit, generating an electrical current.

Molecule 3