These selected, peer-reviewed Springer encyclopedia entries focus on the fuel cell technology that could supersede fossil fuels. The book includes expert material on solid oxide, molten carbonate, phosphoric acid, and polymer electrolyte membrane variants.

The expected end of the oil age will lead to increasing focus and reliance on alternative energy conversion devices, among which fuel cells have the potential to play an important role. Not only can phosphoric acid and solid oxide fuel cells already efficiently convert today's fossil fuels, including methane, into electricity, but other types of fuel cells, such as polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, have the potential to become the cornerstones of a possible future hydrogen economy.

Featuring 21 peer-reviewed entries from the Encyclopedia of Sustainability Science and Technology, Fuel Cells offers concise yet comprehensive coverage of the current state of research and identifies key areas for future investigation. Internationally renowned specialists provide authoritative introductions to a wide variety of fuel cell types, and discuss materials, components, and systems for these technologies. The entries also cover sustainability and marketing considerations, including comparisons of fuel cells with alternative technologies.

Represents a one-stop reference in this key area of alternate energy and sustainability research Covers solid oxide, molten carbonate, phosphoric acid, and polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells Discusses R&D, sustainability, and marketing considerations Presents authoritative, peer-reviewed entries from the Encyclopaedia of Sustainability Science and Technology Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Inhalt

1. Fuel Cells, Introduction.- 2. Alkaline Membrane Fuel Cells.- 3. Direct Hydrocarbon Solid Oxide Fuel Cells.- 4. Fuel Cell Comparison to Alternate Technologies.- 5. Fuel Cell Types and Their Electrochemistry.- 6. Fuel Cells (SOFC): Alternative Approaches (Electroytes, Electrodes, Fuels).- 7. Membrane Electrolytes, from Perfluoro Sulfonic Acid (PFSA) to Hydrocarbon Ionomers.- 8. Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells.- 9. PEM Fuel Cell Materials: Costs, Performance and Durability.- 10. PEM Fuel Cells and Platinum-Based Electrocatalysts.- 11. PEM Fuel Cells, Materials and Design Development Challenges.- 12. Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells for Stationary Applications.- 13. Polybenzimidazole Fuel Cell Technology.- 14. Polymer Electrolyte (PE) Fuel Cell Systems.- 15. Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells, Automotive Applications.- 16. Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEM-FC) and Non-noble Metal Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction.- 17. Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: High-Temperature, Low-Humidity Operation.- 18. Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Materials: Durability, Reliability and Cost.- 19. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells.- 20. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, Marketing Issues.-21. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, Sustainability Aspects.- Index.