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."

Comments

Re:OK, I've gotta ask

[Fysiks Wurks]

Because it's expensive! You get what you pay for.

Re:OK, I've gotta ask

[Kouroth]

Maybe its sticky?

Re:enough with the fuel cell

[TooMuchToDo]

I think the problem of a person cutting a 700K volt transmission line in the middle of nowhere is self-solving.

Re:enough with the fuel cell

[hardburn]

Show me a fuel cell that can break 50% efficiency when you include the electrolysis process. Lithium cells are already well over 90%. "Making power" means being over 100% efficient.

A fuel cell is just a fancy battery, and not a particularly good one.