Eco Factor: Replacing expensive Nafion with non-precious metals for low-cost fuel cells.
Despite the many advantages and demonstrated uses of fuel cells, the technology doesn’t seem to be catching up with mainstream production, due to the high cost of materials that are being used as catalysts. A new researcher conducted by professors at UC Riverside has resulted in the development of an alkaline membrane that could replace Nafion and enable non-precious metals such as cobalt, nickel, iron and silver in fuel cells.
While platinum trades in the range of $1,200/ounce, these non-precious metals are available for as low as $2 per ounce, which if used in fuel cells, could drive down the cost drastically and will allow then to have a lower price point per watt than internal combustion engines and batteries.
Currently fuel cells are considered to be a better alternative to internal combustion engines and batteries in terms of size, weight, temperature and safety. However, the high cost of these cells means that they’re only used in high-cost systems such as UAVs. The decline in their cost would definitely be welcome news for most auto manufacturers.
Via: PRLog
