Skip to content

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.

Diagram of how a fuel cell works

How Fuel Cells Work

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.

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.

CATHODE

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

ELECTRICITY

Electrons travel along an external circuit generating an electrical current.

Molecule 2