Fuel Cell

energy · chemistry · electricity · clean power

Converts chemical energy. A fuel cell takes a fuel (like hydrogen) and oxygen and mixes them together in a special way that creates electricity. It's like a tiny power plant that runs on chemistry.

Never stops if fed. Unlike a regular battery that eventually runs out, a fuel cell keeps making electricity as long as you keep giving it fuel and oxygen. It's like having a rechargeable battery that recharges itself instantly.

Two reactions at once. Inside a fuel cell, two chemical reactions happen at the same time on opposite sides. One reaction breaks apart the fuel molecules while the other grabs oxygen, and the push and pull between them creates electricity.

Powers vehicles cleanly. Some cars, buses, and even forklifts use fuel cells instead of gasoline engines. When they run, they only release water vapor as waste, making them much friendlier to the environment than cars that burn fossil fuels.

Different from batteries. A battery has all its fuel stored inside and eventually gets used up. A fuel cell needs a fresh supply of fuel and oxygen pumped in continuously, which means it can run for as long as you can keep feeding it fuel.