Fuel cells are an alternative to the existing fossil fuel. But the high prices have always hampered commercial market. The main reason for fuel cells being expensive is the use of Platinum. Given its character, Platinum is plated on the electrodes to prevent any corrosion as fuel cells contain highly acidic electrodes. The high cost of platinum has prevented fuel cells form becoming a commercial success.

A step further towards making fuel cells more effective, environment friendly and less costly, Nakajimakinzoku Co., a Kyoto firm specializing in metal plating has developed a fuel cell electrode that requires 99% less platinum than the prevailing electrodes.

With the new method, a few changes during plating needs to be adjusted and metal particles one tenth the size of particles made with normal method can be created.

The particles then form a plating layer without any gaps and contact between the inner metal and acidic electrolytes.

Plans are being worked out to make the platinum layer even thinner which will contribute majorly in cutting the costs of fuel cells. The company aims at making the technology a commercial success in three years’ time.

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Via: Nextenergynews