Hydrogen fuel cells are an alternative energy source. With no negative effects on the environment, they could become extremely popular. A hydrogen fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen to create water and energy. The only drawback to this simple energy source is how explosive the hydrogen gas inside it is. In discussion with company director, Andrew Dicks, we look at possible solutions and benefits for hydrogen fuel cells. Hydrogen fuel cells are an alternative source of energy. Unlike fossil fuels, hydrogen fuel cells have no direct negative effects on the environment. A hydrogen fuel cell works by combining hydrogen molecules with oxygen molecules to produce water and energy. A catalyst, such as platinum, splits hydrogen molecules into protons and neutrons to combine with oxygen. Hydrogen molecules are fed through an anode, while oxygen molecules are fed through a cathode. The molecules combine in a central chamber to form water. Water is released from the top of the chamber and energy from the bottom. The type of reaction that takes place inside a hydrogen fuel cell is the oxidation-reduction reaction. The reaction produces electricity by oxidizing hydrogen at the anode and reducing oxygen at the cathode. Hydrogen and oxygen molecules combine to form water. Electric current (P+) is produced by a catalyst. The oxidation reaction is: 2H2→4H+ + 4e-. The reduction reaction is: 4H+ + O2 + 4e- → 2H2O. A process that does exactly the opposite of a hydrogen fuel cell is electrolysis. Electrolysis splits water into hydrogen molecules and oxygen molecules. The process works by using electricity to split the water molecule. The reaction is: H2O → H2 + ½ O2. Water is very important...... center of paper ......active effects of hydrogen fuels. One solution discussed involved the possibility of explosion. If hydrogen fuel cells in cars were safer, fuel cells would pose no threat to life. If this were not a possibility, hydrogen fuel cells would be exhausted worldwide. This could help restore the environment by avoiding the use of fossil fuels and could save millions of dollars on foreign gas policies. In summary, hydrogen fuel cells are a promising alternative energy source. With little to no environmental drawbacks and very few safety concerns, they are reliable as a means of powering the future. Andrew Dicks explained that they represent a valuable form of alternative energy and discussed possible solutions to the few problems that hydrogen fuel cells pose. Now only time will tell whether hydrogen fuel cells will take over the role of the main energy source.