A new charcoal-based fuel cell using a pgm catalyst has been developed by US scientists.

Michael Antal, lead researcher on the project from the University of Hawaii, says that he has devised a workable fuel cell that does not need especially high temperature in order to work.

Using charcoal in what is termed an "aqueous alkali biocarbon fuel cell", Professor Antal told the Honolulu Advertiser he has been able to create a renewable energy source that does not rely on hydrogen.

"This is effectively a battery that uses charcoal to make electricity," he said.

"People have been building hydrogen fuel cells for over a century. Our purpose is to awaken people to the fact that there are new things out there. We need to think outside the box," Professor Antal said.

Professor Antal's cell is able to function at just 400 degrees (F), using a pgm catalyst, alkaline potassium hydroxide as the electrolyte and harnessing the reactive properties of charcoal.

The prototype is being touted as an industrial appliance, potentially being used in medium-scale power stations.

Now the team at the University of Hawaii are tweaking the cell, which ultimately they hope to make ready for commercialisation.

Earlier this month scientists in the US reported progress on a nano-scale fuel cell just 200 nanometers in width, with the technology continuing to evolve.


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