A
  Skip to page content California Home

Contact Us

 

Montage of pictures representative of California

Hydrogen Highway Homepage

Stations, Cars, Buses
Policy and Funding
Calendar
About CaH2Net
Blueprint Plan
Facts and FAQs
Media
Contact Us
Links
Join E-List
 
    
 Hydrogen Highway Logo Image
Hydrogen Highway Image

About Hydrogen Fuel Cells

This page updated July 19, 2007

Images of Molecules

  Hydrogen can also be produced through electrolysis, a process that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using eletricity. In the future, hydrogen may be supplied from solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources. Image of Water Molecule
Image of Energy Production


     
 
When hydrogen enters a PEM fuel cell, its electrons and protons are separated. A membrane in the cell selectively allows the protons to pass through, while the electrons are routed to provide the electricity to run a motor, provide lighting or power other electrical functions. On the other side of the membrane, the hydrogen combines with oxygen from the air to form water and heat.
Image of Windmill
Image of Car
     

Home
Top of Page