ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines how fuel cell technologies can be used for desalination purposes. A fuel cell is a device that converts the chemical energy of a fuel directly into electricity through electrochemical reactions, with significant waste heat. The development of low-cost fuel cell materials with high durability and lower operating temperatures is the key technical challenge facing a range of fuel cell technologies. The future of this technology depends upon the development of new materials which can be used to manufacture fuel cells in a cost-effective manner. High-temperature fuel cells produce electricity and high-temperature exhaust gases, which can be used as a heat source for desalination applications. Long term, fundamental multidisciplinary research leading to technology development programs is needed in order to make the integration of seawater desalination techniques with fuel cell systems affordable worldwide. The chapter describes the status and future prospects of combined/hybrid technologies.
