How a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Works to Reduce Pollution

One of the most important aspects of developing fuel cells is to reduce the amount of pollution caused by commuters and daily drivers. The automobile may facilitate greater mobility, but it produces enormous amounts of greenhouse gases. These gases are responsible for global warming, in conjunction with industrial emissions and other sources of pollution. How does the fuel cell work to reduce pollution? What methods does a fuel cell employ to cut down on harmful emissions? 
 
The traditional internal combustion engine burns gasoline, producing enormous amounts of pollution. The catalytic converter was designed to remove some of these harmful elements, but it seems to be a case of "too little, too late". The fuel cell, however, is destined to change that image of the automobile. No longer will the consumer car belch forth clouds of noxious exhaust. 
 
A fuel cell runs on pure hydrogen (in most cases). The single most important factor in determining a fuel cell's benefits is its efficiency, or the rate of energy produced per energy expended. For example, if it takes more energy to produce hydrogen than the energy contained within the hydrogen produced, the fuel cell would have a negative efficiency rating. The most efficient fuel cells come in around 80% effective. That means that 80% of the hydrogen in the system is converted into energy. That energy must now be changed into a usable form. This is done through an electric motor.
 
Because none of these methods actually burn fossil fuels, there are no emissions. The only byproduct from hydrogen fuel cells is a trickle of pure water, which can be recaptured and recycled for any number of uses, including hydrogen derivation. Obviously, the fuel cell is a clean option for power for the consumer automobile.
 
Another reason that fuel cells are deemed beneficial to the environment is that they reduce the dependence on oil.  Currently, the US consumes 1/4 of the entire world's oil production.  Producing oil creates more pollution and environmental damage.  Therefore, the more oil produced, the more pollution and environmental harm is produced.  By reducing the dependence on oil, the harm to the environment inflicted through onshore and offshore drilling, and oil sand and shale exploitation can be reduced, as well.

The largest drawbacks to how a fuel cell works is the cost inherent with the solution.  Currently, platinum is the most common material used for a catalyst within the fuel cell.  Obviously, platinum is a costly metal.  Other metals are being researched for use in fuel cells, such as gold (in nanometer sizes), as well as other solutions.  The more durable, efficient and lasting developers are able to make fuel cells, the greater the impact on the environment and pollution reduction these devices will have.

Obviously, the way in which a fuel cell works has enormous benefits. However, the problems inherent with fuel cell design and manufacture make it difficult for current technological levels to institute it in a broad-spectrum method. In other words, it will take several years for material and construction methods to be developed that will result in an affordable fuel cell solution.