Burning oil products (or any other fossil fuels) produces pollution most specifically, burning releases carbon dioxide which contributes to global warming and ultimately changing climate. Many countries are spending enormous amounts of money into the development of hydrogen fuel cells. Many Generation IV nuclear reactors are being designed with the purpose of hydrogen production.įigure 2. Combined cycle plants producing both hydrogen and electricity may reach an efficiency of 60%. The heat generated by the nuclear reactor could also be used for the production of hydrogen. During off-peak periods (when the electrical grid does not require as much electricity) nuclear power plants may use their electricity for the production of hydrogen. Īn alternative way to produce hydrogen comes from nuclear power. However, for the future, cleaner methods of attaining hydrogen (ie. Around 96% of hydrogen produced is done by using natural gas and other fossil fuels, resulting in considerable CO 2 emissions. Depending on how this is done, the process may also release pollutants. Therefore hydrogen must be manufactured by inputting energy into hydrogen compounds like hydrocarbons or water. The reasons for hydrogen use is not only because of its high energy density (121 MJ/ kg), but because the only by-product aside from electricity is water.Īlthough hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, it doesn't exist in its elemental form on Earth. The video below from NASA illustrates how oxygen and hydrogen come together in a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) to release energy which can be snagged in a useful way.Īn attractive fuel for use in fuel cells is hydrogen, which is actively being researched and developed. This process can continue as long as there is hydrogen and oxygen supplied to the cell. The hydrogen ions pass through a proton exchange membrane (also known as a polymer electrolyte) where it reaches the cathode and combines with oxygen to form water. The electrons are conducted through an electromotive force and electricity is produced. When molecular hydrogen comes into contact with this, it splits into two H + ions and two electrons.

To produce electricity in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell, a gaseous fuel is input and reacts with a catalyst made of platinum nanoparticles. The reaction that makes water also releases electrons which travel through an external electrical circuit, producing electricity. The oxide ions travel through a ceramic electrolyte and react with molecular hydrogen to form water. To produce electricity in a solid oxide fuel cell, oxygen in the air combines with free electrons to form oxide ions. The hydrogen ions combine with oxygen to form water, while simultaneously producing electricity. Molecular hydrogen fuel becomes hydrogen ions (H +) that travel through a polymer electrolyte. A diagram of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC).

Fuelcell 1 code ceebot