The Centre for Electrochemical Technologies (Cidetec) in Spain has announced the creation of a new proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) which can work at high temperatures.

The development is the first time a PEM fuel cell has been made which can perform at high temperatures, offering greater electrochemical activity of the catalysers, according to Cidetec.

It also means that the fuel cell is able to work without the presence of water and has a greater resistance to poisoning of the electrodes by contaminants.

Manufactured by the centre's Spanish laboratories, the new fuel cell is able to operate at temperatures of over 150 degrees C and is fed by pure, unhumidified hydrogen and oxygen.

However, the new technology remains in the early stages of development, according to Cidetec, meaning that it may be some time before the fuel cell can be put to commercial use.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd