A car can be powered by hydrogen and oxygen through a process called hydrogen fuel cell technology. Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen in an electrochemical reaction, producing water as a byproduct. Here's a simplified explanation of how it works:
Hydrogen storage: Hydrogen gas (H2) is stored in onboard tanks in the car. The hydrogen can be produced through various methods, such as steam reforming of natural gas, electrolysis of water using renewable energy, or other hydrogen production processes.
Oxygen intake: Oxygen (O2) is taken from the air surrounding the vehicle. Unlike hydrogen, which is stored in tanks, oxygen is readily available in the atmosphere.
Electrochemical reaction: Within the fuel cell, hydrogen and oxygen are fed into separate chambers with a membrane electrolyte in between. The most common type of fuel cell is the proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell. When hydrogen gas reaches the anode side of the fuel cell and oxygen reaches the cathode side, an electrochemical reaction occurs.
Electrolyte and catalysts: The membrane electrolyte allows protons (H+) to pass through while blocking the electrons. The electrons are forced to travel through an external circuit, creating an electric current that can power the car's electric motor. Catalysts, often made of platinum or other metals, facilitate the reactions at the anode and cathode, helping to split hydrogen into protons and electrons, and combining oxygen with protons and electrons to form water.
Electrical power: As the hydrogen and oxygen react in the fuel cell, electricity is generated. This electrical energy is used to power the car's electric motor, providing the necessary propulsion to move the vehicle.
Water vapor emission: The only byproduct of the hydrogen fuel cell reaction is water (H2O), which is emitted as water vapor through the vehicle's tailpipe. This makes hydrogen fuel cells a clean and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional internal combustion engines, as they produce zero greenhouse gas emissions and no harmful pollutants.
It's worth noting that the infrastructure for hydrogen fueling stations is still developing, and the widespread adoption of hydrogen-powered cars may face challenges related to hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and cost. However, hydrogen fuel cell technology holds promise as a sustainable and efficient option for powering vehicles and reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector.