PEM Fuel Cell Electrochemical Reaction

Energy Engineering

How It Works

Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells generate clean electricity through the direct electrochemical oxidation of hydrogen fuel and reduction of oxygen. At the anode platinum catalyst layer, hydrogen molecules dissociate into protons and electrons. Protons migrate through the hydrated acidic polymer electrolyte membrane (Nafion), while electrons travel through an external circuit before recombining to form water and heat.

Governing Equation
2 H₂ + O₂ → 2 H₂O + Electricity + Heat  |  E = E⁰ - (R · T / 2F) · ln[P_H₂O / (P_H₂ · P_O₂^(1/2))]