Scientists in Australia have made a significant breakthrough in the design of fuel cells for the latest generation of hybrid cars, by using a cloth material that could make them cheaper and more reliable than ever before.
According to a report in the journal Science, the fuel cell is coated in a form of Goretex, which is used for outdoor clothing material. Scientists believe it holds great promise for the motoring industry as it removes the need for platinum, which acts as a catalyst and is currently central to the manufacturing process.
The team of scientists, based at Monesh University in Australia, have designed and tested an air-electrode where a thin layer of highly conductive plastic is deposited on to the fabric. The plastic then acts as both the electrode and the catalyst. Effectively, it breathes oxygen into the fuel cell and comes into contact with the plastic.
Representatives from the university believe the work is significant – even going as far as to describe it is as the most important development in fuel cell technology in the last 20 years.
The cost of platinum is currently prohibitive in a small car with the cost of a 100Kw electric engine currently higher than a 100Kw petroleum engine. It is also estimated that current annual production of platinum is only enough for around three million 100Kw vehicles – less than one twentieth of the current global production of vehicles.
These tests therefore are crucial in finding an alternative which could ultimately offer a fuel cell design that is both more economical and more easily sourced, while being just as effective.
