Fuel cells are classified primarily by the kind of electrolyte they use. This determines the kind of chemical reactions that take place in the cell, the kind of catalysts required to enable the reaction, the temperature range in which the cell operates, and the fuel required. These characteristics, in turn, affect the applications for which these cells are most suitable.
There are several types of fuel cells, each with its own advantages, properties and potential applications, as summarized in the following table: