Hydrogen Fuel-cell Technology in Electric Vehicles: Current Usage, Materials and Future Applications

Abstract

A conventional combustion engine results in high greenhouse gas emissions, so the world is transforming to clean energy and electric vehicles. Developments and applications of hydrogen fuel cells in electric vehicles (EVs) lead the world toward a sustainable future. Hydrogen fuel applies to fuel cells and generates electricity through electrochemical reactions. It is exceptionally clean because the by-products are water and heat, so there has no visual pollution from vehicles. HFC technology is not commonly used for now but will take place in many EVs. Some countries planned to apply it to electric power systems, railways and spacecraft fields. Currently, HFC uses platinum as the main catalyst material because of its stability, high efficiency, and good performance that boosts the hydrogen and oxygen reactions. It is the most reliable source and a perfect catalyst that is widely applied. Other catalysts such as carbon-coated nickel, nitrogen-carbon mixtures (MNCs) and transition metal nitrides (TMNs) all show good performance and have similar efficiency with Pt. These materials could replace platinum in the future because Pt has limited sources and higher costs. Also, the study has found that scientists use ruthenium graphene as a catalyst in hydrogen fuel cells. However, its effectiveness needs long-term monitoring. Although HFC is a clean technology, it has disadvantages, for example, hard for hydrogen extraction and storage, lacking refueling systems etc. Current technology limits development, and barriers exist, such as overwhelming H2 storage and delivery and some safety issues. Even so, hydrogen energy and HFC application are the future for EVs and others.