More Efficient Use

Hydrogen fuel cell efficiency depends on efficiently forming the charged ion, and allowing this to selectively travel from one electrode to the other while the electrons are forced to pass through the external circuit.

Electrodes can be enhanced through the use of nanostructured materials which increase the surface area of the electrode. This increases the rate at which the charged ion is formed at one electrode, and the hydrogen and oxygen combined at the other to produce water.

Membranes and electrolytes are in some cases combined in one material, in others they are a “sandwich” with membrane on either side of the electrolyte. Controlling the porosity and chemical functionality of the membrane (by using composites of different materials) can enhance the transfer of the charged ion from one electrode to the other, while preventing electron flow, and prevent contamination with other reactants or products. Manufacturing the membrane from different materials can allow it to operate more efficiently at different temperatures, or increase its lifespan (particularly true of molten carbonate fuel cells which operate at high temperatures).