The research team at Kyushu University in Japan has made a breakthrough in fuel cell technology, developing a new type of cell that is both cost-effective and long-lasting. They are optimistic about achieving practical application within the next five years.
Hydrogen fuel cells are currently considered a promising clean energy solution because they generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water and heat as byproducts. However, most existing models require cooling systems, which can reduce efficiency and add to the complexity of the design.
Led by Associate Professor Tsuyoshi Fujita from the Graduate School of Engineering at Kyushu University, the team introduced a novel approach by using high-boiling-point phosphoric acid instead of water for cooling. This not only improves thermal stability but also eliminates the need for traditional liquid cooling systems. To prevent leakage and maintain performance, they incorporated solid-state phosphoric acid into the design.
In addition, the researchers enhanced the fuel cell’s electrode catalyst by incorporating carbon nanotubes. These nanotubes are known for their exceptional strength and conductivity, which significantly improves the battery’s durability. Moreover, this innovation allows for a 50% reduction in the use of expensive platinum—a key component in traditional fuel cells—thereby cutting the overall cost to approximately 70% of conventional models.
The findings were recently published in *Science Reports*, a newly launched open-access journal under the prestigious *Nature* Publishing Group. The study marks an important step forward in making hydrogen fuel cells more viable and affordable for future energy applications. (Reporter: Lan Jianzhong)
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