HFCs were developed as a means of generating clean and efficient electrical power. The idea was to create a power source that could provide significant energy output without the harmful emissions associated with traditional fossil fuels. Not only that but they were made as a better way to transport large amounts of energy in the smallest possible form factor, getting smaller as time goes on and technology improves.

At a high level, HFCs work by facilitating a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen fuel is introduced to the anode (the negative side of the fuel cell), and oxygen is introduced to the cathode (the positive side).
When the hydrogen atoms reach the anode, a catalyst causes them to split into protons and electrons. The protons pass directly through a proton exchange membrane to the cathode, while the electrons are forced to take a longer path through an external circuit, creating an electric current.
Once the protons and electrons reach the cathode, they reunite and combine with oxygen to form water, which is expelled as a by-product.

PEMFCs operate at relatively low temperatures (around 80°C), which allows them to start quickly (less warm-up time) and makes them suitable for use in transportation and portable application. Furthermore it limits the amount of thermal chnage, allowing for the enviroment to be less effected, which is critical in sensitive machineary.

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, which use electric motors, are much more energy efficient and use 40-60 percent of the fuel’s energy. This corresponds to more than a 50% reduction in fuel consumption, compared to a conventional vehicle with a gasoline internal combustion engine. This means as well as less polloution, a PEM cell car is more likely to travel further then a convetional gasoline car, up to 50% better gas milage then gasoline cars.

More than 10 million metric tons of hydrogen are produced annually in the United States. Most of the hydrogen produced in the United States comes from a process called steam methane reforming. Two of the largest users for this hydrogen are the petroleum refining and fertilizer production industries. If the demand for hydrogen cars rises, it will lead to a rise in production of hydrogen gas as well, allowing for a cycle of increasing demand and production.

PEMFCs have a very high sensitivity. This means they can be easily affected by changes in operating conditions or the presence of impurities in the fuel.

The materials used in PEMFCs, such as platinum for the catalyst, are quite expensive. This contributes to the high cost of these fuel cells, which is one of the main barriers to their commercialization, also making hydrogen cars targets for theft, similar to catalytic converter which contain platinum and are targets for theft.

The gas diffusion layer (GDL) and flow field layer in PEMFCs can present challenges. These layers play crucial roles in distributing the fuel and removing the product water, and any issues with these layers can significantly affect the performance of the fuel cell.

The catalyst used in PEMFCs, typically platinum, can degrade over time. This degradation can reduce the performance and lifespan of the fuel cell.

The production of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA), a key component of PEMFCs, presents difficulties. These difficulties can include ensuring the quality and durability of the MEA, as well as scaling up the production process.

Despite their many advantages, PEMFCs currently have a shorter lifespan compared to other energy technologies. This is due in part to the degradation issues mentioned above.

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) represent a promising technology in the field of sustainable energy. Their high power density, relatively low operating temperature, and quick start-up time make them particularly suitable for transportation and portable applications. Moreover, the efficiency of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is impressive, with a reduction in fuel consumption of more than 50% compared to conventional vehicles.ve.

However, there are significant challenges that need to be addressed. The high cost of materials, particularly the platinum used as a catalyst, is a major barrier to commercialization. Additionally, issues with the gas diffusion layer and flow field layer can affect the performance of the fuel cell. The catalyst can degrade over time, reducing the performance and lifespan of the fuel cell. Furthermore, the production of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) presents difficulties.

In conclusion, while PEMFCs have considerable potential for contributing to a sustainable energy future, significant technical and economic challenges must be overcome. Continued research and development are needed to improve the durability and cost-effectiveness of these fuel cells. As with any technology, the ultimate success of PEMFCs will depend on a complex interplay of factors, including scientific breakthroughs, market forces, and policy decisions. The future of PEMFCs is certainly an exciting area to watch.