Nissan has developed a new fuel cell stack that has twice the power density of its previous technology.

Using half the platinum of previous designs, the fuel cell also achieves a 35 per cent cost reduction in its production.

Power in the stack has been increased from 90kW to 130kW - enough to power a large vehicle.

Stack size has been reduced to allow more flexibility and this has been achieved through the development of a more densely packed cell structure.

The carbon separator has been removed in place of a thin metal separator to break down the hydrogen, oxygen and water necessary for a chemical reaction.

A coating has been applied to the separator, allowing to improve conductivity and an increase in efficiency and durability throughout the life of the fuel cell stack.

Nissan has been able to reduce the amount of platinum used by half after using a higher durability electrode.



Source:

Nissan doubles the power density of next generation fuel cell stack, 06/08/08
http://www.nissannews.com/newsrelease.do;jsessionid=F6B0FDFBD349BC54E0F5A26F960B4F4F?mid=1&id=546