Principles and application of hydrogen fuel cells

• Main Authors: Chen, Yongfei, Guo, Keyi, Feng, Yiqi, Xu, Yanchen
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alternative energy sources; Clean energy; Commercialization; Energy; Energy conversion; Fossil fuels; Fuel cells; Hydrogen; Hydrogen fuels; Hydrogen-based energy; Production methods; Renewable energy
• ISSN: 0094-243X; 1551-7616
• DOI: 10.1063/5.0217475

The growing scarcity of fossil fuels and its concomitant environmental repercussions have prompted an escalating focus on sustainable energy alternatives, notably hydrogen-based energy. As a clean and efficient energy conversion technology, hydrogen fuel cells have received extensive attention and research in recent years. This paper provides an exhaustive exposition of the operational mechanisms, configuration, and categorization of hydrogen fuel cells. The paper comprehensively assesses both the merits and demerits associated with hydrogen fuel cells while delving into multifaceted aspects requiring enhancement. It is considered that hydrogen fuel cells are an environmentally friendly and efficient energy source, and the different manufacturing methods and transportation methods of hydrogen energy are also listed. However, at present, hydrogen fuel cells have not been fully popularized, and at the same time, their application costs are high and related facilities are not perfect, which also leads to a great lack of commercialization and industrialization of this fuel cell. However, with the rapid development of this technology and the high attention of all walks of life, the development of hydrogen fuel cells is also getting faster and faster, and it is likely to be used on a large scale in the future and enter daily life. In general, as a clean energy that is expected to replace fossil fuels, the research and application of hydrogen fuel cells have important strategic significance.