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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on May 13, 2025

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Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for greener tomorrow

For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Significance

For Mains Examination: GS III - Environment & Ecology

Context:

As India accelerates its transition to sustainable transportation, major players across sectors are embracing green hydrogen mobility. Last week, India’s first hydrogen-powered truck was deployed for mining logistics in Chhattisgarh.

Read about:

Hydrogen as Fuel

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs)

Key takeaways:

Hydrogen Fuel Cells: Function and Components

• Hydrogen Fuel Cells (HFCs) are capable of producing clean, efficient, and quiet electricity by converting hydrogen's chemical energy into electrical power. The core elements of a fuel cell include the Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) and bipolar plates.
• The MEA is the site of the electrochemical reaction and is composed of a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) sandwiched between two catalyst-coated electrodes: the anode and the cathode.
• Hydrogen gas enters through the anode, while oxygen from the surrounding air flows through the cathode. Gas Diffusion Layers (GDLs) support the uniform distribution of hydrogen and oxygen gases and facilitate the removal of byproducts like heat and water.
• At the anode, hydrogen molecules (H₂) are split into protons (H⁺) and electrons (e⁻) with the help of a catalyst. The PEM allows only protons to pass through to the cathode. Meanwhile, electrons are directed through an external circuit, generating electrical current. At the cathode, oxygen undergoes a reduction reaction, combining with protons and electrons to produce water (H₂O).
• The bipolar plates play multiple roles: they channel reactant gases, conduct electrons across fuel cells in a stack, and assist with thermal regulation. This ongoing electrochemical process delivers power as long as there is a continuous supply of hydrogen and oxygen, with water vapor being the only emission. The lack of moving parts in HFCs also ensures quiet and dependable operation.