fuel cell: Quick Facts

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Last updated

Oct. 14, 2026

Photos and Videos

Diagram of a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell showing labeled layers, including flow field plates, electrodes, and the proton exchange membrane, with arrows indicating hydrogen and oxygen inputs, electricity generation, and water and heat as outputs.

Diagram of a typical fuel cell showing hydrogen and oxygen entering at opposite sides, passing through electrodes and an electrolyte, with electrical energy sent to a resistor and heat and water as byproducts.

How molecule-splitting technology separates hydrogen and oxygen

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Topics

regenerative fuel cell alkaline fuel cell molten carbonate fuel cell phosphoric acid fuel cell solid oxide fuel cell solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell cathode anode primary cell electrolytic cell

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Key People

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Sir William Robert Grove

British physicist

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John B. Goodenough

American physicist

Bacon, Francis Thomas

Francis Thomas Bacon

British engineer

Electric power lines against sunset (grid, power, wires, electrical, electricity)

Energy & Fossil Fuels