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New Catalyst May Be a Boost For Fuel Cells
Roland Piquepaille writes "Researchers at the University of Houston (UH) have developed a new platinum-based catalyst for fuel cells that is at least four times more efficient and cheaper than existing catalysts. This discovery in fuel cell research may ease reliance on gasoline. According to the researchers, the active phase of the catalyst consists of nanoparticles with a platinum-rich shell and a core made of an alloy of copper, cobalt, and platinum. But it's not enough for this new catalyst to be more efficient and cheaper than a pure platinum one. It also needs to work for a long time — say, the life of a car. So far, the preliminary results look promising, but longer-term testing is needed before this kind of fuel cells can be used to power your car."
In the mean time, I hope the gas prices go higher. I laugh with delight when I hear people complaining about gas prices, and each time the prices go up I just wish for more. The higher they go, the more punishment is inflicted on losers who buy gas guzzling vehicles. And more importantly, the more incentive there is to move away from fossil fuels. I see no downside to higher gas prices, except that people will have a harder time affording cheap sh** at Walmart. In other words, the American "standard of living" will go down. Which really means it will go up as people get forced out of the rampant consumerism lifestyle.