Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: In a hydrogen fuel cell, hydrogen splits into protons and electrons at the anode, generating electricity as electrons flow through an external circuit, while protons combine with oxygen at the cathode to form water.

Statement-II: Fuel cells need to be periodically recharged like regular batteries to produce electricity through a redox reaction.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

The correct answer is option 3. 

Key Points

• Hydrogen fuel cells continuously produce electricity as long as hydrogen and oxygen are supplied.
• At the anode, hydrogen molecules split into protons and electrons.
• Electrons generate electricity by traveling through an external circuit, while protons migrate through the electrolyte to the cathode, where they react with oxygen to form water. Hence, Statement-I is correct.
• Unlike batteries, fuel cells do not store energy and do not require recharging. They operate continuously as long as fuel is supplied. Hence, Statement-II is incorrect.

 Additional Information

• Fuel cells are highly efficient and produce zero emissions, making them crucial for sustainable energy solutions.
• Applications include fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), space missions, and backup power systems.
• Challenges include hydrogen storage, infrastructure development, and production costs.