Cheap catalyst made easy—CWRU researchers aim to bring fuel cells within reach

Public release date: 22-Mar-2011

Contact: Kevin Mayhood
kevin.mayhood@case.edu
216-368-4442
http://www.case.edu/">Case Western Reserve University

Cheap catalyst made easy

CWRU researchers aim to bring fuel cells within reach

Catalysts made of carbon nanotubes dipped in a polymer solution equal the energy output and otherwise outperform platinum catalysts in fuel cells, a team of Case Western Reserve University engineers has found.

The researchers are certain that they'll be able to boost the power output and maintain the other advantages by matching the best nanotube layout and type of polymer.

But already they've proved the simple technique can knock down one of the major roadblocks to fuel cell use: cost.

Platinum, which represents at least a quarter of the cost of fuel cells, currently sells for about $65,000 per kilogram. These researchers say their activated carbon nanotubes cost about $100 per kilogram.

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