| Key
A. Hydrogen flow field
B. Oxygen flow field
C. Hydrogen
D. Oxygen (in air)
E. Backing layers
F. Anode
G. PEM (the electrolyte)
H. Cathode
J. Unused Hydrogen
K. Water
Process
Hydrogen is passed through field flow plates to the anode whilst oxygen is similarly directed to the cathode.
A platinum catalyst at the anode splits the hydrogen into protons (hydrogen ions) and negatively charged electrons.
The electolyte (PEM) only allows the protons to pass through it directly to the cathode. The negatively charged electrons are forced to travel via a separate circuit to the cathode - hence generating an electrical current.
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