Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells
Polymer electrolyte fuel cell technology is widely considered the most suitable for transportation and portable power applications. These types of fuel cells have low operating temperatures, high power densities, and high energy conversion efficiencies. Automobile manufacturers around the world are actively developing fuel cell vehicles.

Fuel cells convert the chemical energy of hydrogen directly into electrical energy. Like a battery, a fuel cell consists of two electrodes separated by an electrolyte made of a thin polymeric membrane. But unlike a battery, a fuel cell does not need recharging - it will continue to produce electricity as long as fuel and oxidant (air or oxygen) are provided.

Learn more about the history of hydrogen and fuel cell research at Los Alamos.

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