A new catalyst which is expected to enhance fuel cell performance has been developed by a Japanese company.

Hitachi Maxell has announced it has devised a new method to synthesize a high-dispersion catalyst for use in fuel cells, a development which could lower costs as well as increase power density.

Based on the company's proprietary metal-plating technology, the new method uses a catalyst consisting of platinum-ruthenium and phosphor to reduce the particles to 2mm in diameter.

The combination of the two elements makes the catalyst finer, which in turn increases the reactive surface area and boosts efficiency.

The new catalyst also achieved a maximum output density 1.7 times higher than conventional platinum ruthenium catalysts, cutting platinum usage by two-thirds to lower manufacturing costs.

Hitachi Maxell is continuing research into the new solution in order to apply it to polymer electrolyte fuel cells and direct methanol fuel cells.