Fuel cells are energy conversion devices that transform the energy stored in a fuel into electricity and heat. The fuel is not burned in a flame but oxidised electrochemically. The efficiencies and environmental advantages have recently caused renewed interest in fuel cells, which have been promoted by advances in engineering and material science.
There are different types of fuel cells. It has been predicted that the first common use of fuel cells will be methanol-based fuel cells for laptops, tablet computers, handhelds, and cell phones. There is a big impetus to develop hydrogen fuel cells for cars and a number of car manufactureers have developed prototype hydrogen-powered cars.
