Conventional and fuel cells. Differences and operation

09/04/2026

The online cell simulations on this page will help you to better understand how conventional batteries, also called electric cells, and fuel cells work and what are the differences between them.

Conventional cells and fuel cells

Conventional batteries, or electric cells, and fuel cells are two technologies that allow electricity to be generated from chemical processes. While they have some similarities, they also have important differences in their operation, applications and advantages. Each has its own advantages and challenges, and their use is determined by the specific application. In general, electric cells are more common in portable and electronic applications, while fuel cells are more suitable for power generation and long-distance transportation systems.

Conventional or electric cells

Conventional cells or electric cells, also known as batteries, are devices that convert the chemical energy stored inside them into electrical energy. They consist of two electrodes, one positive and one negative, and an electrolyte. When the electrodes are connected to an electrical circuit, electrons flow from the negative to the positive electrode through the circuit, generating electricity. Electric batteries are very common in electronic devices such as cell phones, laptops and cameras.

Fuel cell

Fuel cells, on the other hand, convert the chemical energy of a reaction between a fuel and an oxidant into electrical energy. Fuel cells consist of two electrodes, an anode and a cathode, separated by an electrolyte. The fuel, which can be hydrogen, methane or even alcohol, is fed to the anode and the oxidant, usually oxygen from the air, is fed to the cathode. The chemical reaction between the fuel and oxidant produces electrons that flow from the anode to the cathode through an electrical circuit, generating electricity and water as a by-product.

Comparison between battery types

Fuel cells have some advantages over electric cells, such as higher efficiency and lower pollutant emissions. In addition, they can be powered by a wide variety of fuels, such as hydrogen, methane, ethanol, natural gas and biofuels. This gives them great versatility in terms of their use, from portable applications to power generation systems in large facilities.

However, fuel cells also present some challenges. Although they are more efficient than electric cells, their production cost is still high. In addition, they require fuel storage and supply systems, which can be complicated and expensive. Moreover, the production of hydrogen, one of the most common fuels for fuel cells, still relies heavily on fossil fuels, which limits its use as a renewable energy source.

Explore the exciting STEM world with our free, online, simulations and accompanying companion courses! With them you’ll be able to experience and learn hands-on. Take this opportunity to immerse yourself in virtual experiences while advancing your education – awaken your scientific curiosity and discover all that the STEM world has to offer!

Cell simulations

Conventional
Fuel

Conventional cell

A conventional battery is a device that generates electricity through a chemical reaction. This animation represents Volta’s and Daniel’s electric cells.

Fuel cell

A fuel cell is a device that converts chemical energy into electricity through a reaction between oxygen and hydrogen that results in water.

Giants of science

“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants”

Isaac Newton

Gilbert Newton Lewis

1875

–

1946

Gilbert Lewis formulated the chemical bond theory, introduced electron pairs, and contributed to acid-base theory

“Atoms build nature as bricks build a building”

Michael Faraday

1791

–

1867

Michael Faraday discovered electromagnetic induction, conducted pioneering experiments in optics (Faraday effect), and established fundamental principles of electrochemistry.

“Nothing is too wonderful to be true”

Become a giant

Your path to becoming a giant of knowledge begins with these top free courses

Free mode

The Physics of Electronic Polymers (PEP)

Free mode

Energy to Electrochemistry Final Exam

Free mode

Electrochemistry

Free mode

Preparing for CLEP Chemistry: Part 1

Free mode

Pre-University Chemistry

Free mode

Big Bang and the Origin of Chemical Elements

Professional development for Educators

Your path to becoming a giant of knowledge begins with these top free courses

Free mode

Teaching with Physical Computing: Assessment of Project-Based Learning

Free mode

Teach teens computing: Impact of technology

Free mode

Teaching and Learning in the Era of AI

Free mode

Higher education teaching in the age of AI

Giants of science

“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants”

Isaac Newton

Michael Faraday

1791

–

1867

Michael Faraday discovered electromagnetic induction, conducted pioneering experiments in optics (Faraday effect), and established fundamental principles of electrochemistry.

“Nothing is too wonderful to be true”

Amedeo Avogadro

1776

–

1856

Amedeo Avogadro stated his famous hypothesis: equal volumes of gases, under the same conditions, contain the same number of molecules. He grounded modern chemistry and molecular theory

“In science, patience and method always triumph over chance”

Become a giant

Your path to becoming a giant of knowledge begins with these top free courses

Free mode

The Physics of Electronic Polymers (PEP)

Free mode

Energy to Electrochemistry Final Exam

Free mode

Electrochemistry

Free mode

Pre-University Chemistry

Free mode

Big Bang and the Origin of Chemical Elements

Free mode

Preparing for CLEP Chemistry: Part 1

Professional development for Educators

Your path to becoming a giant of knowledge begins with these top free courses

Free mode

Teaching with Physical Computing: Soft skills, teamwork and the wider curriculum

Free mode

Introduction to Data Wise: A Collaborative Process to Improve Learning & Teaching

Free mode

An Introduction to Evidence-Based Undergraduate STEM Teaching

Free mode

Teach teens computing: How computers work

Test your knowledge

What fundamental aspects define how a conventional electrochemical cell operates compared to a fuel cell?

A conventional electrochemical cell relies on chemical substances stored inside it. These substances react spontaneously and release electrical energy until the reactants are consumed. Once that happens, the cell can no longer produce electricity. A fuel cell, however, does not store its reactants internally. Instead, it continuously receives fuel and oxidant from external sources, allowing it to generate electricity as long as the supply is maintained. This continuous‑flow design makes fuel cells suitable for long‑duration applications and often results in cleaner and more efficient energy conversion. The distinction between “stored reactants” and “externally supplied reactants” is what fundamentally separates the two technologies in both behavior and practical use.

How do the properties of the fuel and oxidant influence the performance and applicability of a fuel cell?

The efficiency and practicality of a fuel cell depend heavily on the type of fuel it uses and how easily that fuel reacts with the oxidant. Hydrogen enables highly efficient and clean reactions, but storing and producing it can be technically challenging. Other fuels—such as methane, ethanol, or natural gas—are easier to obtain and integrate into existing infrastructures, though they may require more complex processing and can generate additional by‑products. This diversity of possible fuels makes fuel cells adaptable to many contexts, from portable electronics to large‑scale power systems. At the same time, it introduces constraints related to cost, purity requirements, and the environmental impact of producing the fuel itself.

Why do electrons always leave from the negative electrode in a battery instead of the positive one?

Because the negative electrode is where the reaction that releases electrons takes place. That electrode ends up with an excess of electrons, and they naturally move through the external circuit toward the positive electrode, where they can be accepted. The battery isn’t “pulling” electrons from the negative side; it’s the chemistry inside that creates an imbalance, and the electrons simply follow the path that lets them flow and complete the reaction.

What would happen if a fuel cell stopped receiving fuel for a moment? Would it still work?

It would stop producing electricity almost immediately. A fuel cell depends on a constant supply of fuel and oxidant because the reaction only occurs while both are present. If the flow stops, the reaction stops, and so does the electrical output. It’s similar to a car engine running out of fuel: nothing is broken, but the system has nothing to work with until the supply is restored.

Why are fuel cells considered “clean” if producing hydrogen can still cause pollution?

Because the fuel cell itself doesn’t generate pollutants while it’s running—it typically produces only electricity and water. The environmental impact depends on how the hydrogen is produced. If it comes from fossil fuels, there are emissions associated with that process, but not with the fuel cell’s operation. If the hydrogen is produced using renewable energy, the entire system can be almost emission‑free. That’s why people talk about “green hydrogen” as the ideal scenario.