Eco Factor: Fuel cell uses urea to generate electricity.
Conventional fuel cells have been marred by the high cost of materials and the challenges involving the transportation and storage of highly flammable hydrogen of toxic methanol. A research team at Heriot-Watt University is now finding possible ways to use urea to create energy via new, low-cost fuel cells.
The team has developed a prototype fuel cell, the Carbamide Power System, which involves cheaper membrane and catalysts and can run on urea. The cells would thus offer a non-toxic, low-cost, easily transportable alternative to high pressure flammable hydrogen or toxic methanol.
The team believes that the Carbamide Power System could be used in submarines among other application areas such as power generation in isolated or remote areas.
Via: Physorg
