Fuel Cells for Extraterrestrial and Terrestrial Applications

The fuel cell is a nineteenth century invention and a twentieth century technology development. Hydrogen‐oxygen fuel cell systems have no competition as auxiliary power sources for space vehicles. The alkaline fuel cell system is a proven technology for this application. The solid polymer electrolyte system may be its future competitor. The energy crisis of 1973 stimulated research, development, and demonstration of the phosphoric acid, molten carbonate, solid oxide, and solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell systems using natural gas, petroleum, or coal‐derived hydrogen (and carbon monoxide for the high temperature systems) for terrestrial applications. The direct methanol‐air fuel cell is still an electrochemist's dream. The present price of crude oil, and the high capital costs and limited lifetime of fuel cell systems impede their terrestrial applications in the developed countries. Conversely, the potential for lower capital costs of labor intensive manufacturing processes and the higher fossil fuel prices make these systems more attractive for such applications in the developing countries.