Fuel Cell and Their Types

Answer. Fuel cells are electrochemical cells that convert the chemical energy of a fuel and an oxidizing agent to electrical energy through a pair of redox reactions. The electricity produced can be used to power small appliances as well as automobiles and even industrial and residential buildings.

In most cases, the redox reaction to produce electricity takes place between hydrogen, which acts as the fuel and oxygen, which acts as the oxidizing agent.

Answer. Though fuel cells come with a lot of advantages, it has quite a few drawbacks too. The disadvantages of fuel cells are listed below.

1. Fuel cells use hydrogen, which is in its gaseous state at room temperature, so storing it poses quite a problem.
2. Fuel cells and electric cars are less durable as compared to traditional petrol and diesel engines. This may be because fuel cells and electric cars are still new to the market. The cost may decrease when these cars and engines running on fuel cells become mainstream.
3. The initial setup cost of fuel cells is pretty high.
4. Our country does not have a good network of hydrogen filling stations for fuel cells yet.
5. Some methods of producing hydrogen gas can release carbon dioxide and other gasses which are harmful to the atmosphere.

Answer. Fuel cells are classified depending on the kind of electrolyte used in them and are listed below:

1. Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells
2. Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
3. Alkaline Fuel Cells
4. Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells
5. Reversible Fuel Cells
6. Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells
7. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Answer. Fuel cells are often used to power cars and other automobiles. This can also be done with alternative sources of power like petroleum cells. However, this is made from natural gas and has several drawbacks including a high cost of production and less eco-friendly as compared to fuel cells. 

Scientists and researchers are looking at biofuels or plant-based fuels as an alternative to fuel cells for powering cars and industrial and residential buildings.

Solar cells have also been used by people for some time, but it is not very reliable on cloudy days and needs large areas for installation. However, further studies and research on the subject is being held to make solar power more effective since it is available in abundance in many parts of the world.