| Fuel cells use gases to
generate electricity directly from a chemical reaction. Unlike batteries
they do not need recharging but run indefinitely as long as they
are supplied with fuel. The fuel of choice is hydrogen.
The problem with early Fuel cells was the
liquid electrolyte used, and the expensive catalysts required
at both positive and negative electrodes.
Modern developments include the use
of a very thin polymer membrane which transports protons. It is
made from a polymer based on poly(tetrafluoroethene) with acid
groups attached to make it capable of proton transport.
|
2H++
2e- 
