What are the primary byproducts of hydrogen fuel cells?

What are the primary byproducts of hydrogen fuel cells?

• A. Water and heat
• B. Carbon dioxide and water
• C. Methane and oxygen
• D. Hydrogen and nitrogen

Answer: (A)

Hydrogen fuel cells convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy, and the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen produces water as the primary byproduct along with heat from inefficiencies. In a typical PEM fuel cell, hydrogen at the anode is split into protons and electrons; the electrons travel through an external circuit to provide electrical power, and at the cathode, protons combine with oxygen and the electrons to form water. The overall equation is 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O, so water is the main byproduct, with heat released as the system carries out the reaction. There is no carbon dioxide produced because no carbon-containing fuels are burned. Water can be liquid or vapor depending on operating conditions.

Hydrogen fuel cells convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy, and the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen produces water as the primary byproduct along with heat from inefficiencies. In a typical PEM fuel cell, hydrogen at the anode is split into protons and electrons; the electrons travel through an external circuit to provide electrical power, and at the cathode, protons combine with oxygen and the electrons to form water. The overall equation is 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O, so water is the main byproduct, with heat released as the system carries out the reaction. There is no carbon dioxide produced because no carbon-containing fuels are burned. Water can be liquid or vapor depending on operating conditions.