FUEL CELLS

 

Image by Professor Bocarsly, Princeton University

The fuel cell, though invented in the nineteenth century, did not begin to reach a fraction of its potential until the middle of the twentieth century. It was then that fuel cells made their debut as a power source for NASA space flights. The numerous advantages, which include high efficiency and adequate power production, made fuel cells the perfect candidate for the power source of the some of the first forays into space. Development of fuel cells as an alternative fuel and energy source slowed significantly in response to decreased oil prices and additional oil resources in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Times have changed however. The end of increased oil production is in sight. It will not be too long until it will be too expensive for the average man to depend on oil and oil products for anything. This has fed the research, development, and discussion of fuel cells, quite possibly the answer to the looming oil shortage.

Fuel cells vary in fuel used, efficiency, catalysts used, and other characteristics, but they all share one characteristic: they are the ideal replacement to combustion engines as fuel sources. With their high efficiency, low maintenance, and low pollution production, fuel cells seem like the logical alternative to fossil fuels. What problems then are holding fuel cells back from becoming the dominant energy source of the early 21st century?

Background Image by David McNew, Newsmakers Staff, 2000

Site authors: Dan Cahan, Kristen Wieghaus, Patrick Schottel, and Cameron Atkinson (left to right), with some experimental fuel cells in a Princeton University chemistry lab.

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