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Originally Posted by jollyperv
Also, don't forget the fuel cell problem...fuel cells that convert hydrogen to electricity require platinum, which isn't exactly an abundant element.
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I wonder how big the plate has to be?
If electrolysis was "run in reverse"?that is, if hydrogen and oxygen were combined to make water?the process would release electricity.
This is what a fuel cell does. The hydrogen fuel is fed into one end of the cell, where it comes in contact with a platinum plate. The platinum acts as a catalyst that helps break down hydrogen atoms into positively charged ions and negatively charged electrons.
The electrons are then screened-out using a substance called an electrolyte. The ions can pass through it; the electrons cannot.
All the electrons are collected and sent through a wire. That stream of electrons is electricity, which can be used to power a motor.
The wire eventually is routed back to the cell, where the electrons, ions and oxygen combine to make water?the fuel cell's only waste product.