Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe. It’s found in water, fossil fuels, and all living things. Unlike electricity, hydrogen can be stored for future use. That makes it great for powering vehicles and other portable devices. When it’s needed, hydrogen fuel cells convert stored hydrogen to electricity. View the animation below, compliments of the Department of Energy.
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When hydrogen gas molecules are pushed through a fuel cell membrane, they split into positively-charged hydrogen atoms (protons) and free electrons (the negatively-charged particles inside atoms). The electrons are forced to flow around the membrane, generating an electrical current. Meanwhile, on the other side of the fuel cell, oxygen gas is split into negatively-charged oxygen atoms. The positive hydrogen atoms react with the negative oxygen atoms, forming water (H2O). The entire reaction produces electrical energy that can be used to run cars or other machines. And the only byproducts of the reaction are heat and clean water! Today, most hydrogen fuel is derived from natural gas. Some day, more hydrogen will come from wind and solar power – completely renewable resources. In 2004, Shell and General Motors opened the first hydrogen fuel station in North America, located in Washington, D.C. The plan is to add more in 2006 and beyond. Many scientists predict that hydrogen will be the fuel of the future.
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