The development of a compound of the element lithium which enables hydrogen to be stored more efficiently could see fuel cell cars with platinum catalysts exceed a driving range of 300 miles before refuelling.

Until now, prototype fuel cell vehicles have only been able to manage a range of 200 miles.

However, a UK research team has found that when the compound of lithium is used in the fuel cell, hydrogen can be stored at a much higher density through the process of chemisorption.

This means that more hydrogen can be stored without requiring a larger, heavier fuel cell and exceeding stipulated weight limits.

The breakthrough, which was the result of a collaboration overseen by the UK Sustainable Hydrogen Energy Consortium (UK-SHEC) between the universities of Oxford and Birmingham as well as the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire, is perceived as a significant mile post in the drive to bring fuel cell cars to mass market.

Professor Peter Edwards of the University of Oxford told the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council: "This could be a major step towards the breakthrough that the fuel cell industry and the transport sector have waited for.

"This could make a key contribution to helping fuel cell cars become more viable for mass-manufacture within around ten years."

News of the potential breakthrough follows a projection from General Motors earlier this month that it expects hydrogen-powered cars to be brought to the mainstream car market by 2015.

Source:

Hydrogen storage breakthrough 'key to fuel cell vehicle advancement', 23/05/0
http://www.fuelcelltoday.com/FuelCellToday/IndustryInformation/IndustryInformationExternal/NewsDisplayArticle/0,1602,9210,00.html

Hydrogen Breakthrough Could Open The Road To Carbon-free Cars, 23/05/07
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070523113841.htm

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