Why is pure hydrogen used in fuel cells?

Pure hydrogen is used in fuel cells because it is highly efficient, produces water as a byproduct, and does not emit harmful gases.

Fuel cells are devices that convert chemical energy into electrical energy through a chemical reaction. The most common type of fuel cell, and the one that most people think of, is the hydrogen fuel cell, which uses hydrogen as the fuel. The reason for using pure hydrogen is primarily due to its efficiency and environmental benefits.

Hydrogen is an excellent fuel source because it has a high energy content. This means that a small amount of hydrogen can produce a large amount of energy. This makes hydrogen fuel cells very efficient, especially compared to traditional combustion engines. In fact, hydrogen fuel cells are about twice as efficient as combustion engines, making them a more sustainable choice for powering vehicles and other machinery.

Another major advantage of using hydrogen in fuel cells is that the only byproduct of the reaction is water. This is in stark contrast to the harmful gases, such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides, that are produced by burning fossil fuels. This makes hydrogen fuel cells a much cleaner energy source, which is particularly important in the context of climate change and air pollution.

Furthermore, hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, making it a potentially limitless source of energy. However, it's important to note that while hydrogen is abundant, it does not naturally occur as a gas on Earth. It is usually found in combination with other elements, such as in water (H2O), and must be separated before it can be used in a fuel cell. This process requires energy, which is a challenge that scientists and engineers are currently working to overcome.

In conclusion, pure hydrogen is used in fuel cells because it is efficient, clean, and abundant. These characteristics make it an attractive option for a sustainable energy source in the future.