Solar fuel cell

This project illustrates the principle of an 'ecological' fuel cell. Using a photovoltaic solar cell, electrolysis is carried out to separate hydrogen from the oxygen contained in the water. Then it is possible to produce electricity the other way round and lit up a small LED bulb.

The development and commercialization of hydrogen-powered fuel cell cars is regularly announced. These vehicles are often presented as an alternative to combustion engines (gasoline, diesel).

Hydrogen is not found as it is in nature. It is usually produced through electrolysis (the opposite principle of the fuel cell) and requires a lot of electricity. If the electricity used comes from non-renewable and polluting energies, this only shifts the problem and is therefore not an effective response to current environmental challenges. Otherwise, this solution is interesting, especially as a way to store electricity.