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Bringing down the cost of fuel cells

Engineers at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee have developed a catalyst that provides similar efficiency to platinum in microbial fuel cells but at 5% of the cost. The material, nitrogen-enriched iron-carbon nanorods, has potential for replacing platinum catalysts in hydrogen-producing microbial electrolysis cells.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee·JournalNano Energy·DateJun 21, 2012

Low-cost nanosheet catalyst discovered to split hydrogen from water

Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a new electrocatalyst that efficiently generates hydrogen gas from water without using platinum. The novel nickel-molybdenum-nitride nanosheet catalyst outperforms traditional non-noble metal compounds and has the potential to unlock sustainable energy alternatives.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 11, 2012

Touch of gold improves nanoparticle fuel-cell reactions

Researchers at Brown University created a triple-headed metallic nanoparticle that generates higher current per unit of mass than any other nanoparticle catalyst tested, with good durability as well as good activity. The FePtAu nanoparticle removes carbon monoxide from the reaction, improving performance and stability.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 12, 2012

Hydrogen from acidic water

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a technique to create molecular analogs of the active part of molybdenite, a widely used industrial catalyst. This method holds promise for creating catalytic materials that can generate hydrogen gas from acidic water at lower costs and with greater efficiency.

Cheap catalyst made easy

Catalysts made of carbon nanotubes dipped in a polymer solution have been shown to equal the energy output and outperform platinum catalysts in fuel cells. The new process is simpler and cheaper, reducing the cost of fuel cells by up to 75%.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 22, 2011

New catalyst of platinum nanoparticles could lead to conk-out free, stable fuel cells

Scientists at Cornell University have discovered a new catalyst that could make fuel cells more stable and conk-out free, using platinum nanoparticles on titanium oxide with added tungsten. The material is more stable and less expensive than pure platinum, allowing it to work with hydrogen fuels containing up to 2% carbon monoxide.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 2, 2010

Brown chemists report promising advance in fuel-cell technology

Researchers have developed a unique core and shell nanoparticle that uses far less platinum yet performs more efficiently and lasts longer than commercially available pure-platinum catalysts. The new catalyst generates 12 times more current than existing models, offering a promising advance in fuel-cell technology.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 24, 2010

Superatoms mimic elements: Research gives new perspective on periodic table

A team of researchers at Penn State has discovered that certain combinations of elemental atoms can mimic the electronic signatures of other elements. By examining photoelectron spectroscopy data, they found similarities between titanium monoxide and nickel, zirconium monoxide and palladium, and tungsten carbide and platinum.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 28, 2009

Energy-saving powder

Researchers at Max Planck Institute create a novel catalyst that efficiently converts methane to methanol, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. The breakthrough could help address global natural gas shortages and support the chemical industry.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 11, 2009

Growth spurts

Researchers have observed single colloidal platinum nanocrystals growing in solution using liquid cell in situ transmission electron microscopy. The study reveals complex growth trajectories, including steady and spurt-like growth driven by coalescence events.

Increasing levels of rare element found worldwide

Dartmouth researchers found a significant increase in rare element osmium worldwide, tracing it to platinum refinement and catalytic converters. The team measured osmium in precipitation, surface water, and deep water globally, with most of the findings linked to industrial processes.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2009

Nanowires may lead to better fuel cells

Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed long, thin platinum nanowires that could improve the performance of fuel cells. The wires are designed to provide a larger surface area for catalysis, reducing the loss of platinum particles during fuel cell operation.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 11, 2009

Perfecting a solar cell by adding imperfections

Carbon nanotubes have been engineered to improve the properties of solar cells by introducing defects, resulting in increased catalytic activity and reduced costs. The new material has the potential to replace traditional layers used in solar cells, leading to improved performance and more affordable energy technologies.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 16, 2008

How does the antitumor drug get to the cell nucleus?

Italian researchers propose that copper transport protein Ctr1 binds platinum ion from cisplatin, stabilizing the trimeric channel structure and enabling endocytosis. This process allows cisplatin to accumulate in organelles, including the nucleus, where it exerts its antitumor effects.

SourceWiley·DateNov 2, 2007

Today's waste, tomorrow's fuel

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.