A fuel cell generates electricity by reacting a fuel such as hydrogen or methanol with an oxidiser such as air. Different types of cell exist, some operating near room temperature and some at much higher temperatures. This is reflected in their design and in the materials used in their construction. However, nickel has a role to play in nearly all the types, either in the internal components or in the catalyst.
Nickel-containing materials may also be needed in the associated equipment which produces the fuel, for example in reformers to produce hydrogen from methane. See section on Chemical industry.
Fuel cells are finding applications wherever local generation of electricity is an advantage, from individual buildings through vehicles to mobile phones.
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