Articles tagged with Fuel Cells
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.
A new study reports the results of several studies on determining the optimum materials for use as a proton exchange membrane in methanol-based fuel cells. The researchers believe that methanol-based fuel cells could be developed before hydrogen-based fuel cells, providing a convenient and accessible alternative for powering devices.
Researchers at ONR and DARPA are developing OSCAR, an oceanic fuel cell that harnesses organic matter in sea sediments to generate electricity. The early versions of OSCAR have been generating about 50 milliwatts per square meter, sufficient power for small calculators.
Case Western Reserve University has been awarded a $750,000 grant from the Ohio Eminent Scholars Program to support high-energy density fuel cell research. The university will also establish the Case Institute for Fuel Cells, where the appointed professor will lead technology development and education.