Fuels and Fuel Processing for Low Temperature Fuel Cells

This chapter examines the role of the fuel in the operation, performance and degradation of fuel cells. The range of fuels and impurities that are of relevance to low-temperature fuel cells are discussed and the performance from a thermodynamic perspective is analysed. As a route to hydrogen, various fuel processing options are considered along with an overview of the major storage techniques. Issues associated with alternative fuels are covered along with the deleterious properties of fuels and their impurities. © 2012 Woodhead Publishing Limited All rights reserved