What is the principle of Toyota's hydrogen fuel cell vehicle?

[MorganMarie]

Toyota's hydrogen fuel cell vehicle operates on the principle where hydrogen is decomposed into electrons and hydrogen ions (protons) by a catalyst (platinum) at the positive electrode of the fuel cell. The protons then pass through a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) to reach the negative electrode, where they react with oxygen to form water and heat. Meanwhile, the corresponding electrons flow from the positive electrode to the negative electrode through an external circuit, generating electrical energy. Below is an extended introduction: Hydrogen Fuel Cell: A fuel cell is an energy conversion device that transforms the electrochemical energy of fuel into electrical energy. Similar to a battery, it is an electrochemical power generation device, hence the name fuel cell. A fuel cell that uses hydrogen as fuel is called a hydrogen fuel cell. It can be understood as the reverse reaction of water electrolysis into hydrogen and oxygen. Therefore, the reaction process is both clean and efficient, as it is not limited by the approximately 42% thermal efficiency of traditional engines operating on the Carnot cycle. The efficiency of a hydrogen fuel cell can easily exceed 60%.