Georgetown College. Georgetown University.

ELECTROCATALYST

An electrocatalyst is a functional material that speeds electrochemical reactions without being consumed in the process.

FUEL CELL

A fuel cell is an electrochemical energy conversion device that converts chemical energy of fuel into electricity. At the heart of a fuel cell are the electrocatalysts that speed up chemical reactions at the cell’s anode and cathode. Unlike a battery, it produces electricity from external supplies of fuel and oxidant and can thus operate virtually continuously as long as the necessary flows are maintained.

There are many exciting potential applications for fuel cells, including auxiliary power, off-grid power supply, notebook computers that can run without charging for weeks at a time, or portable charging docks for small electronics (e.g., a belt clip that charges your cell phone or PDA).

Currently, fuel cells are still being developed so that they can become more widely accessible and useful.

More information and diagrams.

LIGAND

A ligand is frequently an organic molecule (a saturated carbon chain). However, in general, a ligand can be an atom, ion, or molecule that generally donates one or more of its electrons through a coordinate covalent bond to, or shares its electrons through a covalent bond with, one or more central atoms or ions. Ligands are also used to protect functional groups, or to stabilize reactive compounds. The molecule resulting from the coordination of a ligand (or an array of ligands) to a central atom is termed a complex.

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