AFC Basic Principles and Operations

In an alkaline electrolyte fuel cell, hydroxyl (OH ) ions are available and mobile. At the anode, these react with hydrogen, releasing energy and electrons, and producing water. 

At the cathode, oxygen reacts with electrons taken from the electrode, and water in the electrolyte, forming new OH ions. 

For these reactions to proceed continuously, the OH ions must be able to pass through the electrolyte and there must be an electrical circuit for the electrons to go from the anode to the catiiode. Since KOH has the highest conductance among the alkaline hydroxides, it is the preferred electrolyte. The KOH solution molarity is typically between 30% and 80%, depending on the operating 

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