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Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that convert chemical energy in fuels into electrical energy
directly, promising power generation with high efficiency and low environmental impact.
Because the intermediate steps of producing heat and mechanical work typical of most
conventional power generation methods are avoided, fuel cells are not limited by thermodynamic
limitations of heat engines such as the Carnot efficiency. In addition, because combustion is
avoided, fuel cells produce power with minimal pollutant. However, unlike batteries the
reductant and oxidant in fuel cells must be continuously replenished to allow continuous
operation. Fuel cells bear significant resemblance to electrolyzers. In fact, some fuel cells operate
in reverse as electrolyzers, yielding a reversible fuel cell that can be used for energy storage.
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