HydrogenVapour Posted August 4, 2017 Share Posted August 4, 2017 I understand that hydrogen fuel cells essentially separate the hydrogen atom into proton and electron, where the proton passes through a membrane and the electron through a circuit which powers a generator/motor. But the part that confuses me is the end. Why is the oxygen needed to bond the proton and electron together? Is it some sort of catalyst? Also: Why can't the electron be used over and over again? Does it lose some of its energy powering the generator? Any help would be much appreciated. I apologize if my questions have obvious answers, I'm a 13 year old who hasn't learned about the science of fuel cells in school, and I find websites rather vague in this part of the process. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HydrogenVapour Posted August 4, 2017 Author Share Posted August 4, 2017 Edit: I realized that the oxygen is needed due to its strong electrical charge which attracts the ions,so its not a catalyst. But what about the second part? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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