Polymer Electrolyte Membrane

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-021534",
  "term": "Polymer Electrolyte Membrane",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "Most common type of fuel cell for vehicle applications is the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell. In a PEM fuel cell, an electrolyte membrane is sandwiched between a positive electrode (cathode) and a negative electrode (anode). Hydrogen is introduced to the anode, and oxygen (from air) is introduced to the cathode. The hydrogen molecules break apart into protons and electrons due to an electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell catalyst. Protons then travel through the membrane to the cathode.",
  "abbreviation": "PEM",
  "references": [
    "DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center at https://afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/fuel_cell.html"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/polymer-electrolyte-membrane/"
}