What happens at the cathode when hydrogen and oxygen react in a fuel cell?
The proton exchange membrane is one of the most advanced fuel cell designs. Hydrogen gas under pressure is forced through a catalyst, typically made of platinum, on the anode (negative) side of the fuel cell. At this catalyst, electrons are stripped from the hydrogen atoms and carried by an external electric circuit to the cathode (positive) side. The positively charged hydrogen ions (protons) then pass through the proton exchange membrane to the catalyst on the cathode side, where they react with oxygen and the electrons from the electric circuit to form water vapour (H2O) and heat. The electric circuit is used to do work, such as power a motor.
In a fuel cell, the cathode serves as the site where the oxidizer, such as oxygen, is supplied.
When hydrogen and oxygen react, hydrogen ions that have traveled from the anode reach the cathode. At this electrode, the hydrogen ions absorb electrons and react with the oxygen to produce water as a byproduct. This process is essential for completing the electrochemical circuit that allows the fuel cell to convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy.12