Are fuel cells and batteries similar?

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Category: Fuel Cells

Subject: Are fuel cells and batteries similar?

Question

What is the difference between a battery and a fuel cell?

Answer

A battery stores chemical energy and releases it as electricity. Therefore, when a battery has used up the chemical energy it will need to be recharged or disposed of.

A fuel cell will continue to function and produce power as long as fuel and oxygen are supplied to it.

Answer posted November 2004

Submitted by: Ms Susan Ashton

Answered by: David Jollie, Publications Manager

Affiliation: Johnson Matthey Precious Metals Marketing