Inspired by the humble cactus, a new type of membrane has the potential to significantly boost the performance of fuel cells and transform the electric vehicle industry.
The membrane, developed by scientists from CSIRO and Hanyang University in Korea, was described today in the journal Nature . The paper shows that in hot conditions the membrane, which features a water repellent skin, can improve the efficiency of fuel cells by a factor of four.
According to CSIRO researcher and co-author Dr Aaron Thornton, the skin works in a similar way to a cactus plant, which thrives by retaining water in harsh and arid environments.
“Fuel cells, like the ones used in electric vehicles, generate energy by mixing together simple gases, like hydrogen and oxygen. However, in order to maintain performance, proton exchange membrane fuel cells – or PEMFCs – need to stay constantly hydrated,” Dr Thornton said.
“At the moment this is achieved by placing the cells alongside a radiator, water reservoir and a humidifier. The downside is that when used in a vehicle, these occupy a large amount of space and consume significant power,” he said.
According to CSIRO researcher and co-author Dr Cara Doherty, the team’s new cactus-inspired solution offers an alternative.
“A cactus plant has tiny cracks, called stomatal pores, which open at night when it is cool and humid, and close during the day when the conditions are hot and arid. This helps it retain water,” Dr Doherty said.
“This membrane works in a similar way. Water is generated by an electrochemical reaction, which is then regulated through nano-cracks within the skin. The cracks widen when exposed to humidifying conditions, and close up when it is drier.
“This means that fuel cells can remain hydrated without the need for bulky external humidifier equipment. We also found that the skin made the fuel cells up to four times as efficient in hot and dry conditions,” she said.
Professor Young Moo Lee from Hanyang University, who led the research, said that this could have major implications for many industries, including the development of electric vehicles.
“At the moment, one of the main barriers to the uptake of fuel cell electric vehicles is water management and heat management in fuel cell systems. This research addresses this hurdle, bringing us a step closer to fuel cell electric vehicles being more widely available.
“This technique could also be applied to other existing technologies that require hydrated membranes, including devices for water treatment and gas separation,” he said.
Learn more: Cactus inspired skin gives electric cars a spike
The Latest on: Fuel cells
[google_news title=”” keyword=”fuel cells” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Fuel cells
- California Welcomes First Big-Rig Hydrogen Fuel Station in U.S.on April 26, 2024 at 9:08 am
The country’s first commercial hydrogen fuel station for big-rig trucks is up and running at the Port of Oakland, a step toward what hydrogen proponents see as a clean new future for long-haul ...
- What’s that?…A fuel cell that harvests energy from…dirt?on April 26, 2024 at 7:10 am
A soil microbial fuel cell where microbes in dirt could power applications which are literally “in the field”.
- LaFeO3 Perovskite Fuel Cell Technology Boosts SRMAP's Clean Energy Missionon April 26, 2024 at 6:45 am
The significance of this invention cannot be understated in an era where the reliance on clean and efficient energy conversion methods is paramount ...
- RICE develops new underwater robot with a buoyancy control system using fuel cellson April 26, 2024 at 4:31 am
Rice University students have made a breakthrough in underwater robotics by creating a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) that utilizes water-splitting fuel cells for buoyancy control. This innovative ...
- GILLIG to develop hydrogen fuel cell powered buson April 25, 2024 at 9:05 am
GILLIG is collaborating with BAE Systems and Ballard Power Systems on the development of the hydrogen fuel cell bus.
- This legendary brand cracks the code: here’s the most powerful hydrogen fuel cellon April 25, 2024 at 7:29 am
Legendary brand has created the first lightweight hydrogen fuel cell: the most powerful, but the smallest ever seen in history ...
- White Paper: Battery electric vs. hydrogen fuel cell vs. HVO – which is the winning technology?on April 25, 2024 at 7:11 am
In this white paper, Einride compares the three most talked-about alternatives to diesel – battery electric, HVO biofuel, and hydrogen fuel cell – based on four essential factors for long-term ...
- Vietnam Hydrogen Fuel Cell Market Future of Market Size How Data Analytics is Driving Business Growthon April 24, 2024 at 1:24 pm
Report Ocean’s latest analysis delves into the “Vietnam Hydrogen Fuel Cell Market” Report from 2024 to 2032, covering an array of market facets such as characteristics, size, growth, segmentation, ...
- Plasma treatment enhances electrode material for fuel cells in industry, homes and vehicleson April 22, 2024 at 8:52 am
Researchers from Skoltech and their colleagues have improved the properties of a carbon-based electrode material by exposing it to air plasma. Such treatment turned out to enhance electrode ...
- New Hydrogen fuel cell makes zero-emission flights a possibilityon April 18, 2024 at 2:47 am
Zero Avia has made a groundbreaking advancement in aviation technology with the development of their hydrogen fuel cell system. This innovation represents ...
via Bing News