Fuel cells: Reaching the era of clean and efficient power generation in the twenty-first century

This chapter on fuel cells covers the following topics: (a) fundamental ele ctrochemical aspects and performance analysis; (b) technology research and development and demonstrations of fuel cell power sources for power generat ion, transportation, portable power, and space applications; (c) the role o f fuel cells vs competing technologies, and (d) prospects for the applicati ons and commercialization of fuel cell technologies in the twenty-first cen tury. Although the fuel cell was invented in the nineteenth century, the tw entieth century has been the period for technology development rather than widespread use. The fuel cell faces a great deal of competition in the prop osed applications of power generation, transportation, and portable power. Significant work is still necessary, but intensified research and developme nt activities could lead to the dawn of fuel cell commercialization and wid espread use in the early part of the twenty-first century.