Fuel Cells
Articles tagged with Fuel Cells
New uncertainty-aware AI framework could improve fuel cell degradation forecasting
Researchers developed an uncertainty-aware AI framework for predicting proton exchange membrane fuel cell degradation trends. The framework provides both point estimates and interval estimates with probability density information, improving the reliability of fuel-cell prognosis under realistic operating conditions.
Novel patterned electrode ingeniously designs micro-pillar "overpass," enabling low-Platinum fuel cells to "go full throttle".
Researchers developed micro-pillar patterned electrodes with ordered ionomer structures to improve proton conduction and oxygen delivery, enhancing fuel cell performance. The design enabled robust operation under dry conditions and maintained electrochemical surface area, outperforming conventional electrodes.
Turning plant waste into power: A structural and chemical leap for supercapacitor technology
Researchers from Southeast University and Nanjing Normal University create supercapacitor technology using plant waste, enabling rapid-charging energy storage at 4.0 volts. The innovative approach combines a custom electrode with a specialized electrolyte to stabilize the system.
Self-cleaning fuel cells? Researchers reveal steam-powered fix for ‘sulfur poisoning’
University of Utah researchers have discovered a steam-enabled self-cleaning mechanism that dramatically improves sulfur tolerance in solid oxide fuel cell anodes. The addition of rhodium leads to the formation of bimetallic nanoparticles that actively resist sulfur poisoning and autonomously regenerate under steam exposure.
Microalgae-derived biochar enables fast, low-cost detection of hydrogen peroxide
Researchers developed a nickel-enriched biochar from marine microalgae that can detect hydrogen peroxide at low concentrations, with fast response times. The sensor's stability and sensitivity are improved by the uniform distribution of catalytic sites.
How bacteria can reclaim lost energy, nutrients, and clean water from wastewater
Emerging microbially-powered technologies can convert up to 35% of wastewater's chemical energy into electricity and extract valuable nutrients. This approach could power agriculture, global sanitation and its own treatment, while reducing pollution and overcoming regulatory obstacles.
Tackling thermal management challenges in portable fuel cell reactors
Researchers developed a miniaturized solid oxide fuel cell microreactor to power edge devices like drones and AI hardware with high energy density. The device features an innovative structural design with thermal insulation and a multilayered insulation system, solving thermal stress and safety concerns.
Breakthrough in thin-film electrolytes pushes solid oxide fuel cells forward
Researchers developed a novel thin-film electrolyte design using samarium-doped cerium oxide, achieving record-setting oxide-ion conductivity at medium temperatures. This innovation addresses key technical limitations of existing solid oxide fuel cells, paving the way for widespread adoption.
Peat as a sustainable precursor for fuel cell catalyst materials
Researchers discovered that peat-based iron-nitrogen-carbon catalysts exhibit exceptional efficiency and selectivity in oxygen reduction reactions. The microstructure of these catalysts plays a crucial role in promoting the desired electrochemical reactions.
Hanbat National University researchers present new technique to boost solid oxide fuel cell performance
Hanbat National University researchers have developed a new method for enhancing the performance of solid oxide fuel cells by inducing cobalt exsolution in high-temperature oxidizing atmospheres. This process results in improved electrochemical properties and higher oxygen reduction reaction activity, making it a promising direction fo...
Flexible solid electrolyte unlocks high-performance fuel cells across extreme temperatures
Researchers at Kumamoto University have developed a flexible solid electrolyte material with exceptional proton conductivity and hydrogen gas barrier properties, making it suitable for low- to mid-temperature fuel cells. The material enables stable operation across a wide temperature range, from -10 °C to 140 °C, and shows promise for ...
Chung-Ang University develops chloride-resistant Ru nanocatalysts for sustainable hydrogen production from seawater
Researchers developed chloride-resistant Ru nanocatalysts to overcome limitations in seawater electrolysis. The g-C3N4-mediated pyrolysis strategy creates a crystalline-amorphous junction with ultrafine Ru dispersion, enabling efficient and durable hydrogen production.
3D-printed fuel cells may power future aerospace technologies
Researchers at DTU Energy and DTU Construct developed a new fuel cell design using 3D printing and gyroid geometry for improved surface area and weight. The Monolithic Gyroidal Solid Oxide Cell delivers over one watt per gram, making it suitable for aerospace applications.
How deep learning is accelerating multiscale design of porous electrodes for flow cells
A deep learning approach called Electrode Net optimizes porous-electrode design without sacrificing accuracy. The method achieves high predictive accuracy and speeds up computation time by 96%, enabling rapid screening of large design spaces.
New self-assembling material could be the key to recyclable EV batteries
MIT researchers developed a sustainable electrolyte that quickly breaks down when submerged in organic solvents, allowing for easy recycling of components. The new material could revolutionize the battery industry by simplifying the recycling process and reducing electronic waste.
Chinese scientists develop high-performance iron catalyst for fuel cells
A team of Chinese scientists has developed a high-performance iron-based catalyst for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), which could potentially reduce reliance on scarce and expensive platinum. The new design enables record efficiency and long-term durability, achieving an oxygen reduction overpotential as low as 0.34 V.
More hydrogen, more ammonia, more fertilizer, all using less energy
Researchers at RIKEN have developed a mechanochemical method to increase hydrogen saturation in perovskite powder, doubling its capacity. This discovery has significant implications for environmental sustainability and the potential for a hydrogen-based economy, as it enables more efficient production of ammonia fertilizer.
New material may enable next-gen hydrogen energy devices
Researchers from Tohoku University have discovered a new material that can conduct both protons and electrons efficiently at intermediate temperatures. The material, titanium dioxide doped with niobium, enhances proton conductivity by up to 10 times, making it suitable for next-generation fuel cells and hydrogen separation membranes.
Researchers succeed in building a low temperature hydrogen fuel cell, thanks to a scandium superhighway
Scientists at Kyushu University have created a solid oxide fuel cell that operates at a low temperature of 300°C, overcoming a major hurdle in their development. The breakthrough uses scandium to create a 'ScO6 highway' for protons to travel efficiently, enabling the production of affordable hydrogen power.
“Platinum-calcium alloy nanoparticles” replace platinum – achieving both efficiency and durability in fuel cells
A team of scientists at DGIST has created a new catalyst that boosts the performance and longevity of hydrogen fuel cells. By combining platinum with calcium, they achieved levels surpassing 2025 targets, paving the way for widespread adoption in hydrogen vehicles and power generation.
WVU fuel cell can stabilize power grid by making, storing energy in extreme industrial conditions
Researchers at WVU have designed a fuel cell that can switch between storing and generating electricity, making it suitable for balancing an overwhelmed US electrical grid. The new design, called conformally coated scaffold, stays stable even at high temperatures and humidity levels.
SwRI advancing fuel cell testing for more efficient hydrogen-powered vehicles
SwRI has created a novel controller system to test fuel cell stacks under normal and extreme driving conditions, enhancing performance and efficiency. The project aims to develop predictive control models for humidity management, improving fuel cell performance and reliability.
New fuel cell could enable electric aviation
Researchers at MIT have developed a new fuel cell that can carry three times as much energy per pound as current EV batteries, offering a lightweight option for electrifying transportation systems. The technology has the potential to enable electric aviation and other sectors like marine and rail transportation.
SwRI breaks pressure and temperature record for sCO2 materials testing
Researchers from Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) have set a new temperature record for testing materials in high-pressure environments. The team successfully achieved unprecedented conditions of 1,150 degrees Celsius at 300 bar using a modified autoclave setup.
Enhancing centrifugal compressor performance with ported shroud technology
Researchers developed a simplified CFD model to evaluate the impact of ported shrouds on centrifugal compressor performance. The findings reveal that the ported shroud extends the operational range by approximately 10% and improves pressure ratio near surge limits, enhancing overall system efficiency.
Breakthrough in fuel cell recycling turns ‘forever chemicals’ into renewable resources
Researchers at the University of Leicester have developed a technique using soundwaves to separate valuable catalyst materials and fluorinated polymer membranes from catalyst-coated membranes. This breakthrough addresses critical environmental challenges posed by PFAS, which contaminate drinking water and have serious health implications.
Chinese researchers boost efficiency of direct methanol fuel cell catalysts
Researchers developed a new ultrafine platinum-based high-entropy alloy octahedra catalyst that enhances methanol oxidation reaction activity and durability. The senary alloy outperformed ternary alloys and commercial platinum-on-carbon catalysts in terms of performance, offering a promising advance for direct methanol fuel cells.
Amorphous nanosheets created using hard-to-synthesize metal oxides and oxyhydroxides
Researchers at Nagoya University developed an innovative method to synthesize amorphous nanosheets from challenging metal oxides and oxyhydroxides. The process uses surfactants to create ultrathin layers with numerous defects, making them excellent active sites for catalytic reactions.
Heat transfer for PEM fuel cell cooling channels
A study investigated heat transfer in PEM fuel cell stacks with serpentine-type cooling channels, revealing the impact of operating conditions on refrigeration capability. The research aimed to develop a novel correlation for the Nusselt number, facilitating more efficient cooling system design.
Scientists reveal new design for cells turning carbon dioxide into a green fuel
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University developed a new electrochemical cell that converts bicarbonate solution into formate ions with high selectivity and efficiency. The cell boasts unrivalled performances rivaling energy-hungry gas-fed methods, promising to have a significant impact on climate change technology.
New technology provides electrifying insights into how catalysts work at the atomic level
Researchers developed a technique to study electrochemical processes at the atomic level, revealing unexpected transformations in a popular copper catalyst. The technique, called polymer liquid cell (PLC), enables scientists to observe composition changes during reactions in real time.
Manganese sprinkled with iridium: a quantum leap in green hydrogen production
Researchers at RIKEN have developed a new catalyst that reduces the amount of iridium required for hydrogen production, achieving 82% efficiency and sustaining production for over 4 months. The breakthrough could revolutionize ecologically friendly hydrogen production and pave the way for a carbon-neutral energy economy.
Longer-lasting and more sustainable green hydrogen production
Researchers at RIKEN have improved the stability of a green hydrogen production process by using a custom-made catalyst, increasing its lifetime by almost 4,000 times. The breakthrough uses earth-abundant materials, making it more sustainable and potentially cost-effective for widespread industrial use.
Discovery brings all-solid-state sodium batteries closer to practical use
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed a process to create solid sulfide electrolytes with world-high sodium ion conductivity and glass electrolytes with high reduction resistance. This breakthrough enhances the practical use of all-solid-state sodium batteries.
Fueling the future: boosting durability of eco-friendly cars' power source
Researchers investigate degradation mechanisms of proton exchange membrane fuel cells in automotive settings, highlighting chemical breakdown, corrosion, and mechanical wear. The study introduces pioneering approaches to enhance the lifespan and durability of PEMFCs, offering new perspectives for commercializing clean technology.
Supercharging fuel cells with caffeine
Researchers at Chiba University have discovered that adding caffeine to certain platinum electrodes can increase the activity of the oxygen reduction reaction. This discovery has the potential to reduce platinum requirements in fuel cells, making them more affordable and efficient.
Opening pores for fuel cells and more
Researchers have developed a chemical etching method to widen the pores of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which could improve their applications in fuel cells and as catalysts. The new MOF structure enables faster transfer of chemicals, enhancing activity and stability.
Japan's electric vehicle transition by 2035 may be insufficient to combat the climate crisis, but there are solutions
A team of researchers at Kyushu University found that Japan's current policy may not be enough to reduce CO2 emissions and achieve decarbonization goals. To address this, the government must extend vehicle longevity, invest in a cleaner energy mix, and decarbonize the supply chain.
Incheon National University-Harvard University joint research team improves fuel cell durability with fatigue-resistant membranes
Researchers created a polymer electrolyte membrane with an interpenetrating network that enhances fatigue resistance and prolongs the lifespan of fuel cells. The composite membrane exhibits a lifespan of 410 hours, compared to 242 hours for the original Nafion membrane.
Toward sustainable energy applications with breakthrough in proton conductors
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have discovered a new strategy to enhance the conductivity and stability of perovskite-type proton conductors, overcoming the 'Norby gap' issue. Donor doping into materials with disordered intrinsic oxygen vacancies enables high proton conduction at intermediate and low temperatures.
Template for success: Shaping hard carbon electrodes for next-generation batteries
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science developed nanostructured hard carbon electrodes using inorganic zinc-based compounds, which deliver unprecedented performance and significantly increase the capacity of sodium- and potassium-ion batteries. The new electrodes improve energy density by 1.6 times compared to existing technologies.
Engineers develop an efficient process to make fuel from carbon dioxide
Researchers at MIT and Harvard University have developed an efficient process to convert carbon dioxide into a stable, solid formate fuel that can be used in fuel cells and generate electricity. The new process achieves over 90% conversion efficiency and eliminates the need for toxic and flammable fuels.
Proof-of-concept method advances bioprocess engineering for a smoother transition to biofuels
Researchers propose a hybrid control strategy combining model-based optimization and in-cell feedback control to solve the process-model mismatch issue. This approach enhances the regulation of metabolic toggle switches, leading to increased isopropanol yields and robust microbial material production.
Researchers constructed highly-active micro-mesoporous CNTs extended MOF skeleton structure having M-Nx sites more accessible for ORR application
A team of scientists constructed micro-mesoporous metal-organic framework and carbon nanotube-based composite catalysts showing excellent oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalytic activity. The presence of MNx sites was found responsible for the enhanced electrocatalytic activity.
Design of high-performance high temperature proton Exchange Membrane -Poly (triphenyl piperidinium) with long side chain alkyl quaternization
The team developed poly(triphenyl piperidinium) based high-temperature proton exchange membranes with improved physicochemical properties, demonstrating enhanced proton conductivity and mechanical stability. The membranes showed promising performance in fuel cell applications, with the highest peak power density achieved at 210 °C.
Efficient fuel-molecule sieving using graphene
Researchers developed a graphene-based proton-exchange membrane that successfully suppresses the crossover phenomenon, allowing for high proton conductivity while blocking fuel molecule penetration. This study contributes to the development of advanced fuel cells as an alternative to hydrogen-type fuel cells.
A teamwork to evaluate the influence of the cathode catalyst layer platinum loading on the durability of PEMFC
Researchers investigate the impact of cathode catalyst layer platinum loading on PEMFC electrode-membrane assembly durability. Low Pt content impairs oxygen reduction activity but doesn't affect degradation mechanisms.
Towards better batteries and fuel cells with dispersibility estimation for carbon electrode slurries
Scientists developed a novel technique to evaluate carbon particle dispersion in battery electrode slurries, enabling enhanced battery electrodes. The study's results show that measuring viscosity and electrochemical impedance can provide insights into dispersibility.
Ammonia as a carbon-free hydrogen carrier for fuel cells: a perspective
Researchers discuss the potential of using ammonia as a hydrogen carrier for on-site power generation via ammonia decomposition. The high hydrogen content (17.6 wt%) and low toxicity make it an attractive alternative to traditional hydrogen storage methods, but challenges such as leakage and toxicity need to be addressed.
Research could pave way to greener, more sustainable products made with renewable carbon
Carbon-based materials have been found to be more reactive with alcohol-functionalized oxygens, challenging traditional catalysis chemistry. The researchers' study showed a correlation between the amount and type of oxygen present and performance, including the long-range effects of aromatic rings.
New recipes for better solar fuel production
A team of researchers from China and the UK has developed new ways to optimise the production of solar fuels by creating novel photocatalysts. These photocatalysts, such as titanium dioxide with boron nitride, can absorb more wavelengths of light and produce more hydrogen compared to traditional methods.
More complex than expected: Catalysis under the microscope
Scientists at TU Wien use microscopy techniques to observe chemical reactions on catalysts, revealing a wealth of detail that challenges previous understanding. The study shows that even simple catalytic systems are more complex than expected, with different scenarios prevailing on the micrometer scale.
Ba2LuAlO5: A new proton conductor for next-generation fuel cells
Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology have discovered a new proton conductor, Ba2LuAlO5, which shows high proton conductivity even without modifications. The material's unique structure and water absorption properties make it ideal for protonic ceramic fuel cells, promising a bright future for sustainable energy generation.
Carbon-based catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction: Mechanistic understanding and porous structure
Researchers review carbon-based ORR catalysts, focusing on active site fabrication, stability, and porous structure effects. They analyze causes of catalyst deactivation and strategies to improve stability and anti-poisoning properties.
Self-driven disposable sensor for easy measurement of blood glucose levels at home
Researchers developed a biofuel cell on a chip that measures blood glucose levels using a few microliters of blood. The sensor generates an electrical signal based on the enzyme's reaction with glucose, providing accurate readings using general-purpose devices like smartphones.
Generating power with blood sugar
A team of researchers at ETH Zurich has created an implantable fuel cell that uses excess blood sugar to generate electrical energy. The device powers artificial beta cells that produce insulin, effectively regulating blood glucose levels.
Probe where the protons go to develop better fuel cells
A team led by Professor Yoshihiro Yamazaki from Kyushu University discovered the chemical innerworkings of a perovskite-based electrolyte developed for solid oxide fuel cells. By combining synchrotron radiation analysis, large-scale simulations, machine learning, and thermogravimetric analysis, they found that protons are introduced at...
New invention: The oxygen-ion battery
The oxygen-ion battery has an extremely long service life due to its ability to regenerate and store capacity that does not decrease over time. It also solves the problem of fire hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries.
Korea Maritime and Ocean University researchers lay out strategies for up-scaling of bioelectrochemical systems
Researchers have identified the need for standardization of performance indices and a single frame for normalization methods to address concerns with bioelectrochemical systems. The study proposes strategies for up-scaling BES technologies, enabling resource recovery through on-site treatment of wastewater at an efficiency comparable t...