Fuel Cell Diagram
1. Anode: The anode is the negative electrode in a fuel cell. Hydrogen gas is passed over the anode, where it reacts with oxygen to produce water, releasing electrons.
2. Electrolyte: The electrolyte is a material that allows ions to flow between the anode and the cathode. In a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), the electrolyte is a polymer membrane that allows only protons to pass through.
3. Cathode: The cathode is the positive electrode in a fuel cell. Oxygen gas is passed over the cathode, where it combines with electrons from the anode to produce water.
4. Catalyst: The catalyst is a material that speeds up the chemical reactions that take place in a fuel cell. In a PEMFC, the catalyst is typically made of platinum or a platinum-based alloy.
5. Gas diffusion layer: The gas diffusion layer is a porous material that allows gases to flow to and from the electrodes.
6. Flow channel: The flow channel is a channel that allows gases to flow through the fuel cell.
7. Current collector: The current collector is a metal plate that collects the electrons from the anode and carries them to the external circuit.
8. Bipolar plate: The bipolar plate is a conductive material that separates the anode and the cathode and provides a path for the electrons to flow between the cells.
