
108 Fuel Cells
the electrochemical reactions at the electrodes and conducting resistances of
electrodes and electrolytes to electrons and ions, respectively.
There are different types of fuel cells classied by the different electrolyte
materials used as described in Chapter 1. The anode and cathode reaction
characteristics are therefore different in each fuel cell type. Table 4.1 shows a
TABLE 4.1
Common Fuel Cell Types
Fuel Cell
Type
Electrolyte
Type
Charge
Carrier Electrochemical Reaction
Alkaline FC
(AFC)
Sodium
hydroxide,
NaOH, or
potassium
hydroxide
(KOH)
Hydroxyl ion
OH
+
Anode: HOHHOe
Cathode: OeHO OH
22
222
1
2
+→+
++ →
OOverall: HOHO
222
1
+→