Experts from Hitachi Maxell have been able to reduce the break-up of platinum in fuel cells to develop a new fuel cell that could make the power sources viable for use in portable devices.

Researchers have a proprietary cathode material that has been able to significantly extend the life of solid polymer fuel cells, opening up the potential for smaller fuel cells to be used in portable devices.

The Japanese firm has used the new material, which uses an organic compound as an additive, to keep the dissolved platinum inside the electrode and prevents it moving into the electrolyte, where it acts as an impurity that can shorten the lifespan of the fuel cell.

Using this new approach, the researchers claim to be able to deliver small fuel cells that can offer over 4,000 hours of service life, reports Trading Markets.

The new technology was required because at present, a special device is attached to large fuel cells to prevent the platinum moving into the electrolyte, but this device is too large to be used with smaller, portable fuel cells.

Hitachi Maxell hopes to have commercial versions of the technology available by 2010.

Source:

Hitachi Maxell Extends Service Life of Solid Polymer Fuel Cells, 7/11/07
http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/799910/

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