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13/01/2009
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Researchers at the University of Aberdeen are modifying the electrode of a fuel cell to allow it deal with carbon-contaminated hydrogen.
It is hoped the breakthrough could help to make fuel cells more cost effective and reliable.
The University’s Chemistry department have been awarded £288,000 from Scottish Enterprise’s Proof of Concept Programme for a two-year development project.
Hydrogen is the primary fuel for the technology, but is mainly produced from fossil fuel. As a result it contains impurities that can form carbon monoxide. This clogs up the surface of the fuel cells electrode, significantly reducing efficiency.
The modified design will enable the fuel cell to use carbon-contaminated hydrogen as well as methanol, biofuels and natural gas without the need for upstream reforming.
Project leader, Dr Angela Kruth, from the University’s Chemistry Department said: “The new low temperature fuel cell is expected to drastically accelerate the technology into the current market.
“Our research will focus on the electrode part of the fuel cell and develop ways in which it can better cope with the carbon monoxide found in fuels it is converting into power.”
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Author
Justin Cunningham
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