NOVELTY - The fuel cell for generating electricity in spacecraft, large military naval vessels and prototype power plants, comprises a polymer electrolyte membrane (12), an anode (14), a cathode (16), and a conductor (18) for the supply of electrical current to an electrical load. The anode and cathode comprises a coal-based carbon foam having 7.45-9.65% of ash (D/B), a density of 0.1-0.8 g/cm3, a pore size below 2000 mu m and a compressive strength below 6000 psi. The coal-based carbon foam is produced from bituminous coal and particulate coal having a diameter less than 1 mm.    USE - The fuel cell is useful for generating electricity in spacecraft, large military naval vessels and prototype power plants, and is useful for vehicles.    ADVANTAGE - The fuel cell decreases fossil fuel dependency and improves air quality, can be efficiently and economically manufactured in lightweight, and can be refueled quickly and conveniently for vehicles.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The fuel cell for generating electricity in spacecraft, large military naval vessels and prototype power plants, comprises a polymer electrolyte membrane (12), an anode (14), a cathode (16), and a conductor for the supply of electrical current to an electrical load. The anode and cathode comprises a coal-based carbon foam having 7.45-9.65% of ash (D/B), a density of 0.1-0.8 g/cm3, a pore size below 2000 mu m and a compressive strength below 6000 psi. The coal-based carbon foam is produced from bituminous coal and particulate coal having a diameter less than 1 mm. The carbon foam is prepared by comminuting coal to a small particle size to form a ground coal, placing the ground coal in a mold, heating the ground coal in the mold under a non-oxidizing atmosphere at 300-700 degrees C to form an electrode preform, and graphitizing the electrode preform at 1800-2200 degrees C. An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is included for an electrical cell for the generation or storage of electrical power through an electrochemical reaction.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The diagram shows a schematic view of the fuel cell.    Polymer electrolyte membrane (12)    Anode (14)    Cathode (16)    Electrical device. (20)