Articles tagged with Fuel Cells
Researchers used advanced computational methods to demystify complex catalytic chemistry in fuel cells, bringing cost-effective alternatives closer to reality. The study reveals that water plays a huge role in dictating which hydrogen atom breaks free from methanol first.
The ECS Toyota Young Investigator Fellowship has selected three recipients to pursue innovative research in green energy technology. The fellows will receive a minimum of $50,000 each and a one-year complimentary ECS membership.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a custom 3D photolithographic printing process for patterned membranes, which can improve ion transport and mitigate fouling. The new method enables rapid prototyping and testing of polymer membranes with complex patterns.
Zhongwei Chen, a University of Waterloo professor, has received the E.W.R. Steacie Memorial Fellowship for his work on nanomaterials that enable fuel cells, batteries, and supercapacitors to be more efficient and compact. The technology has the potential to reduce costs associated with precious metals like platinum and palladium.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba identified the catalytic structure and proposed a mechanism for non-platinum oxygen reduction catalysts, showing that pyridinic nitrogen is key to its performance. The study's findings will enable optimization studies to focus on improving catalyst efficiency.
Scientists create photo-bioelectrochemical cells that harness natural photosynthesis to generate electrical power from sunlight. The system uses glucose as a fuel and provides a new method for photonically driving biocatalytic fuel cells.
Atomic-level imaging of catalysts using ORNL microscopy has enabled the tracking of atomic reconfigurations in individual platinum-cobalt nanoparticle catalysts during heating. This study provides valuable insights into the evolution of specific atomic configurations and their impact on catalytic performance.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed a new DNA-templated gold nanocluster that enhances electron transfer in enzymatic fuel cells. The AuNC facilitates oxygen reduction reactions, lowering overpotential and increasing electrocatalytic current densities.
Researchers at OIST have developed a way to prevent noble metal nanoparticles from compacting by encapsulating them individually in a porous shell made of a metal oxide. This technique improves the rate of electrochemical reactions in methanol fuel cells, leading to more efficient fuel cell performance.
Researchers have developed a new fabrication technique to produce ultra-thin hollow nanocages with platinum walls, which can increase the utilization efficiency of the metal by up to seven times. The new structures can use smaller amounts of platinum, making fuel cells more economically viable.
A new method enhances direct methanol fuel cell efficiency by removing toxic heavy metal ions like Cr(VI) while converting to less toxic Cr(III). This allows for improved performance and increased power density.
Researchers have successfully developed a room-temperature fuel cell that uses jet fuel and enzymes to produce electricity. The new cells can be used to power portable electronics, off-grid power, and sensors. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and cost-effective energy solutions.
Scientists at EPFL have created a method to convert sunlight into hydrogen using perovskite solar cells and nickel-iron catalysts, achieving an impressive 12.3% efficiency rate. This innovative approach eliminates the need for rare-earth metals in producing usable hydrogen fuel, paving the way for efficient energy storage and conversion.
A research team has developed a cost-effective technology to synthesize heteroatom (S or N)-doped graphenes, which can be applied as high performance electrodes for secondary batteries and fuel cells. These materials enhance battery performance and drive down the cost of producing fuel cells.
Scientists have developed a new approach to simulate the emergence of cell metabolism on Earth by harnessing geological redox reactions. The study demonstrates that certain minerals could drive these reactions, potentially leading to biological metabolisms.
David S. Ginley, a materials scientist at NREL, has been recognized for his distinguished contributions to renewable energy and sustainability. He is honored for his work on photovoltaics, batteries, and fuel cells, as well as his efforts in developing materials and forums for student interactions.
Researchers have developed a new polymer membrane that improves the stability and conductivity of alkaline fuel cells while reducing the need for expensive platinum catalysts. This breakthrough could make fuel cells more affordable and accessible, offering an alternative to traditional technology.
Researchers at New Jersey Institute of Technology have developed a lab-on-a-chip that can detect cells with sub-cellular resolution, enabling early detection of diseases such as viruses and cancer. The device uses carbon nanotubes to measure electrical properties of cells, offering a non-invasive and quick method for disease diagnosis.
Researchers have developed a fully integrated microfluidic test-bed to evaluate and optimize solar-driven electrochemical energy conversion systems. The system has been used to study schemes for photovoltaic electrolysis of water and can be adapted to study artificial photosynthesis and fuel cell technologies.
Researchers have developed a low-cost metal-free catalyst using edge-halogenated graphene nanoplatelets that shows remarkable electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction, higher tolerance to methanol crossover/CO poisoning effects and longer-term stability than platinum-based catalysts.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University have discovered links between electrode degradation processes and bus membrane durability. The study aims to improve fuel cell module durability and predict longevity for competitive with diesel hybrids.
Researchers at IBN have developed a more powerful and longer lasting fuel cell material using a mixture of gold and copper nanoparticles. The new hybrid material can produce 5 times higher activity and much greater stability than commercial platinum catalysts.
MIT engineers have developed a fuel cell that runs on glucose, potentially powering brain implants to help paralyzed patients. The glucose fuel cell strips electrons from glucose molecules to create a small electric current, and its biocompatibility has been proven through platinum catalysts.
Researchers from New York University and the Max Planck Institute reveal that phosphoric acid fuel cells transfer protons in a more streamlined fashion than water-based solutions. This process involves temporary 'proton wires' formed by multiple phosphoric acid molecules, allowing for high proton conductivity.
Researchers successfully implanted a biofuel cell in a snail, generating sustainable electrical micropower for extended periods without harming the animal. The long-lasting enzymes used induced an electric current by breaking down glucose and oxygen molecules.
Scientists implanted a miniature biofuel cell into False Death's Head Cockroaches, converting trehalose and oxygen into electricity. The device operates intermittently due to low energy output, but could power microdevices in the future.
Researchers at INRS have developed a new iron-based catalyst capable of generating more electric power in fuel cells. This breakthrough could pave the way for the use of iron-based catalysts instead of rare and expensive platinum-based ones, enabling the production of more efficient fuel cells for transportation applications.
Researchers at Virginia Tech discovered a way to speed up the flow and filtering of water or ions in fuel cells, improving their efficiency and power. By stretching the Nafion polymer electrolyte membrane, they increased its ability to selectively filter substances.
Kathy Lu, a renowned materials scientist at Virginia Tech, has been awarded the Humboldt Foundation research award for her pioneering work on nanomaterials. She will spend a year collaborating with Ralf Riedel in Germany to advance her research on fuel cell material design and composites.
Materials scientists at Harvard have successfully demonstrated the first macro-scale thin-film solid-oxide fuel cell, overcoming structural challenges to achieve comparable power density to micro-SOFCs. The breakthrough uses a metallic grid to support a large membrane, enabling scalability for practical clean-energy applications.
Yale engineers have developed miniscule nanowires made of a novel material that boosts long-term performance in fuel cells. The nanowires' high surface area exposes more catalyst, increasing efficiency.
Researchers at TU Delft have discovered that adding nanocrystals to solid electrolyte material can significantly increase the efficiency of fuel cells. The addition creates more space in the network, allowing protons to move freely and improving conductivity.
Researchers at UT Dallas have developed a novel technology called biscrolling, which enables the production of yarns containing up to 95% unspinnable guest powders and nanofibers. These yarns exhibit remarkable properties, including superconductivity, energy storage, and catalytic activity.
A University of California, Riverside researcher is leading a $6.25 million grant to develop fuel cells that could replace batteries with up to 80% less weight and increase device life by five times.
J. Robert Selman, a leading expert in electrochemical engineering of batteries and fuel cells, will receive the prestigious Grove Medal for his valuable contributions to fuel cell technology. He has written over 135 journal papers and holds six patents, including those for phase change material in Li-ion batteries.
Scientists have developed a new class of biofuel cells that can produce electricity using sugar or cooking oil, opening possibilities for recharging portable electronics. The first mitochondria fuel cell successfully produces electricity in lab tests.
Scientists have created a new technology that converts chemical energy to fuel cells for micro-machines and sensors, saving energy and producing more power than smaller batteries. The thermopower wave devices use carbon nanotubes and are already generating attention due to their non-toxic nature.
Researchers at University of Georgia have developed a method to grow molecular wire brushes that conduct electrical charges, a crucial step in developing biological fuel cells. The technique, called 'grafting from,' allows for the creation of ultra-thin films with controlled polymer architecture.
Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis developed a bimetallic fuel cell catalyst that is two to five times more effective than commercial catalysts. The novel technique enables a cost-effective fuel cell technology with potential for cleaner use of fuels worldwide.
Researchers at Brown University have developed a novel approach to creating palladium nanoparticles with increased surface area, resulting in improved efficiency and stability. The breakthrough enables the production of fuel cell catalysts that are four times more stable and twice as active, making them ideal for future applications.
Researchers have developed a new technique called liquid STEM that enables the imaging of individual molecules in biological cells, with improved resolution and speed compared to existing methods. This innovation has potential applications in energy science and the development of molecular probes.
Subhash Singhal, PNNL's fuel cell director, received the 2008 Grove Medal for his sustained contributions to fuel cell technology. The award honors achievements in fuel cell science & technology, recognizing Singhal's leadership and research.
A new study predicts that buckyballs can easily absorb into animal cells, providing a possible explanation for their toxicity. The molecules were found to dissolve in cell membranes, pass into cells, and cause damage.
Researchers at Cardiff University are developing cost-effective methods to recycle platinum and other precious metals from road dust and vehicle exhausts. This innovative approach aims to produce clean fuel cells, minimizing waste and creating reliable, greener energy.
Researchers at NIST found that short DNA-wrapped single-walled carbon nanotubes can selectively absorb into human lung cells, posing a potential health risk. The team's study suggests that the length of the nanotube plays a significant role in determining cellular uptake and toxicity.
Researchers have developed a fuel cell battery that runs on virtually any sugar source, offering a potential replacement for lithium ion batteries in portable electronics. The biodegradable battery has the longest-lasting and most powerful sugar-based design to date, with promising results from testing with various sugar sources.
Researchers at PNNL have successfully measured electrical charge shuttled by proteins removed from living cells, opening up possibilities for miniaturized bioreactors. The breakthrough could lead to the development of portable biofuel cells for powering small electronic devices.
Researchers at UCI create tool to analyze thousands of variables, predicting potential effect of distributed generation on Southern California air by 2010. The study found that maximum levels of ozone and particulate matter could increase slightly, but the impact would be far less than other power-production alternatives.
Scientists have developed a method to track and quantify the absorption of multi-walled carbon nanotubes into living cells. Research found that 74% of nanotubes were assimilated by cancer cells after 15 minutes, with nearly irreversible uptake.
Researchers aim to build a self-propelled prototype within five years, optimizing the system's performance through computer modeling and experimental work. Shewanella oneidensis bacteria can transfer electrons directly to anode surfaces, making them a promising candidate for fuel cells.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories are developing strategies to make lithium-ion batteries more tolerant to abusive conditions, with the goal of increasing their lifespan and reducing costs. The team's work could pave the way for the widespread adoption of hybrid electric vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries.
Researchers at Virginia Tech created a new type of composite material that can be molded into bipolar plates with high electrical conductivity, good mechanical properties, and ease of manufacture. The material's properties exceed industry standards and will enable faster and more efficient production of fuel cell stacks.
The researchers designed a microfluidic fuel cell that functions without a physical barrier to separate the fuel and oxidant, utilizing laminar flow instead. This design offers several advantages, including fewer parts and simpler design, as well as compatibility with alkaline chemistry.
Researchers identify mitochondria as key players in programmed cell death (apoptosis), a process essential for life and necessary for neural system development. The study reveals that mitochondrial fragmentation is required for cells to die, providing a unified understanding of cell death across species.
Researchers at Rice University discovered a method to mitigate buckyball nanoparticle toxicity by enhancing their surface properties. By modifying the surface of buckyballs with specific molecules, they can dramatically reduce their toxicity to individual cells.
Researchers have successfully harnessed energy from plankton using a new type of fuel cell, generating up to 10% of the energy associated with plankton decomposition. This technology could extend survey missions for months or years without battery replacements.
The Rochester Institute of Technology is developing a new effort to provide logistics, guidance, and information sharing on direct methanol fuel cells for the portable electronics market. CIMS will analyze environmental impacts, life-cycle economics, and develop end-of-life strategies to reduce costs and improve sustainability.
Fuel cells offer improved efficiency, low emissions, and design flexibility for naval vessels, slashing shipbuilding costs. The Navy's ONR is testing a diesel fuel reformer to develop a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell, which will be capable of between 37-52 percent efficiency.
Researchers at NIST are studying how different factors affect fuel cell efficiency, including electrical and heating demands, temperatures, humidity, and power systems. The goal is to develop performance ratings that can help consumers understand the financial costs and benefits of fuel cells in various geographic and climate conditions.
Researchers have developed a new type of biofuel cell that runs off of alcohol and enzymes, potentially replacing rechargeable batteries. The cells can be charged instantly with a few milliliters of alcohol and may last up to a month without recharging.