" This would solve pollution problems and revolutionize the automobile industry.
How does a fuel cell work?.
A fuel cell is made up of two thin, porous electrodes which both have one side coated by catalysts. One electrode is an anode, the other, a cathode. These two electrodes are separated by a polymer membrane electrolyte that only allows protons to pass through it. When hydrogen is present, as "either hydrogen gas or [a] hydrogen-rich liquid like methanol", the anode splits the molecule into protons and electrons (DePalma 1). The electrons then enter a path which brings them through a motor, which in turn powers the motor. At the same time, the protons pass through the moist polymer membrane toward the cathode. If the membrane is not moist, the protons are not able to pass through it, thus preventing further energy production. At the cathode, the protons combine with the returning electrons and oxygen from the surrounding air to produce water, the only runoff of the system. This process is illustrated in the following diagram:.
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(Burns 67).
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Impact On Society.
Although it is simple to see that fuel cell engines are by far more environmentally friendly than combustion engines, it is not as easy to find a way in which to store the hydrogen fuel used by the fuel cells. One method is the use of glass microspheres. These tiny bubble-like figures range in size from 25 to 500 micrometers in diameter. When heated to a temperature nearing 300 degrees Celsius, the glass becomes incredibly permeable. This allows for hydrogen to pass into the glass spheres. When the glass is cooled, the hydrogen is trapped inside the sphere until it becomes reheated. This method stores hydrogen satisfactorily, but has not yet been used in regards to fuel cells. .
Another method of storing hydrogen is through the use of graphite nanofibers.
