The Chemistry of the cell includes these reactions:

(1) Anode Side: 2H2 è 4H+ + 4e-

(2) Cathode Side: O2 + 4H+ + 4e- è 2H2O

(3) Net Reaction: 2H2 + O2 è 2H2O

In one full cycle of the fuel cell, hydrogen gas is first pushed along the etched channels of the anode where it comes in contact with the platinum catalyst. This platinum catalyst splits the hydrogen molecules into positively charged hydrogen ions and negatively charged electrons (Hydrogen Fuel Cells, 2006). These positively charged hydrogen ions are then allowed to pass through the Proton Exchange Membrane while the electrons continue to build up on the anode. The electrons can only pass on to the cathode through an external circuit, were they can be utilized as an electrical source. This electron flow can power anything from cell phones to automobiles if managed correctly. Meanwhile, on the cathode of the cell, oxygen gas is being split apart into oxygen atoms from coming in contact with the catalyst coated on the cathode. These atoms have a strong attraction for the hydrogen ions passing through the proton exchange membrane and bond with them along with the electrons flowing over from the anode to form water. The water is directed out of the system and the hydrogen and oxygen gases that did not react are recycled back into the inward flow of fuel into the cell. (Proton exchange membrane fuel cell, 2006)