http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/fuel_cells/ Fuel Cell News and Research. Read about the latest developments in everything from highly efficient fuel cell technology to proposals of using microbes as an energy source. en-us Sun, 07 Sep 2008 15:05:04 EDT Sun, 07 Sep 2008 15:05:04 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/fuel_cells/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080825200752.htm In experiments, sweet potatoes grown in Maryland and Alabama yielded two to three times as much carbohydrate for fuel ethanol production as field corn grown in those states, scientists report. The same was true of tropical cassava in Alabama. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080825200752.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080826100829.htm A team of Australian and American researchers has developed a catalyst that effectively catalyzes the photooxidation of water. The core of the catalyst is a manganese-containing complex modeled after those found in photosynthetic organisms. Wed, 27 Aug 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080826100829.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080825195852.htm A new "green" technology developed cooperatively by scientists with the Agricultural Research Service and North Carolina State University could lead to production of hydrogen from nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080825195852.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080820163111.htm Researchers here have found a way to convert ethanol and other biofuels into hydrogen very efficiently. A new catalyst makes hydrogen from ethanol with 90 percent yield, at a workable temperature, and using inexpensive ingredients. The new catalyst is much less expensive than others being developed around the world, because it does not contain precious metals, such as platinum or rhodium. Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080820163111.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080813164640.htm Researchers have developed a method for converting crop residue, wood pulp, animal waste and garbage into ethanol. The process first turns the waste material into synthesis gas, or syngas, and nanoscale catalysts then convert the syngas into ethanol. Thu, 14 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080813164640.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080813144357.htm Genomics is accelerating improvements for converting plant biomass into biofuel -- as an alternative to fossil fuel for the nation's transportation needs. Now researchers lay out a path forward for how emerging genomic technologies will contribute to a substantially different biofuels future as compared to the present corn-based ethanol industry -- and in part mitigate the food-versus-fuel debate. Thu, 14 Aug 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080813144357.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080731173133.htm A new material characterized at the US Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory could open a pathway toward more efficient fuel cells. The material, a super-lattice, improves ionic conductivity near room temperature by a factor of almost 100 million, representing "a colossal increase in ionic conduction properties," according to researchers. Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080731173133.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080731143916.htm Scientists have revolutionized the design of fuel cells used in the latest generation of hybrid cars which could make the vehicles more reliable and cheaper to build. The breakthrough, published in the journal Science, revolves around the design of a fuel cell in which a specially-coated form of popular hi tech outdoor and sporting clothing material Goretex® is the key component. Sun, 03 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080731143916.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080731143345.htm Until now, solar power has been a daytime-only energy source, because storing extra solar energy for later use is prohibitively expensive and grossly inefficient. Researchers have now hit upon a simple, inexpensive, highly efficient process for storing solar energy. Fri, 01 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080731143345.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080722072030.htm Scientists modeled emissions for Minnesota and found that it is possible to reduce emissions by 30 percent by 2025 and 80 percent by 2050 and possibly exceed those numbers if a combination of strategies are implemented, including reducing fuel consumption, increasing fuel efficiencies and fuel carbon content and by using new methods for designing communities. However, the researchers point out that the methods could be applied nationally. Tue, 29 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080722072030.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080717101520.htm A transition to hydrogen vehicles could greatly reduce US oil dependence and carbon dioxide emissions, says a new congressionally mandated report from the National Research Council, but making hydrogen vehicles competitive in the automotive market will not be easy. Vehicle costs are high, and the U.S. currently lacks the infrastructure to produce and widely distribute hydrogen to consumers. The maximum practicable number of hydrogen vehicles that could be on the road by 2020 is 2 million, says the report. The number of hydrogen vehicles on the road could then grow rapidly, to nearly 60 million in 2035 and 200 million by 2050. Fri, 18 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080717101520.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080715092602.htm A greener, less expensive method to produce hydrogen for fuel may eventually be possible with the help of water, solar energy and nanotube diodes that use the entire spectrum of the sun's energy. Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080715092602.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080711090731.htm A report on how Australia can best respond to the environmental and economic challenges arising from its dependence on fossil fuels for transport has just been released. Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080711090731.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080629130741.htm Scientists have achieved a record light conversion efficiency of 8.2 percent in solvent-free dye-sensitized solar cells. This breakthrough in efficiency without the use of volatile organic solvents will make it possible to pursue large scale, outdoor practical application of lightweight, inexpensive, flexible dye-sensitized solar films that are stable over long periods of light and heat exposure. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080629130741.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080627163219.htm Seeking to understand a new fuel cell material, a research team has uncovered a novel structure that moves oxygen ions through the cell at substantially lower temperatures than previously thought possible. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080627163219.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080624152423.htm Dramatic progress in renewable energy technology is needed if the United States desires to produce 25 percent of its electricity and motor vehicle fuel from renewable sources by 2025 without significantly increasing consumer costs, according to a new study. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080624152423.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080616163421.htm Nanotechnology is paving the way toward improved solar cells. New research shows that a film of carbon nanotubes may be able to replace two of the layers normally used in a solar cell, with improved performance at a lower cost. Researchers have found a surprising way to give the nanotubes the properties they need: add defects. Currently, these solar cells, called dye-sensitized solar cells, have a transparent film made of an oxide that is applied to glass and conducts electricity. In addition, a separate film made of platinum acts as a catalyst to speed the chemical reactions involved. Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080616163421.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080616115724.htm Scientists have demonstrated an atomistic mechanism of hydrogen release in magnesium nanoparticles -- a potential hydrogen storage material. Wed, 18 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080616115724.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080606102558.htm In the future, an unmanned helicopter will search for people trapped in fallen buildings or investigate contaminated terrain. The mini-helicopter will be powered by a very light fuel cell that weighs only 30 grams and has an output of 12 watts. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080606102558.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080604140935.htm A cryogenic pressure vessel developed and installed in an experimental hybrid vehicle can hold liquid hydrogen for six days without venting any of the fuel. Unlike conventional liquid hydrogen tanks in prototype cars, the new pressure vessel was parked for six days without venting evaporated hydrogen vapor. Tue, 10 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080604140935.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080603110849.htm Researchers are working on a thermoelectric generator that converts the heat from car exhaust fumes into electricity. The module feeds the energy into the car's electronic systems. This cuts fuel consumption and helps reduce the carbon dioxide emissions from motor vehicles. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080603110849.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080527130056.htm Biofuels based on renewable sources are increasingly popular as a way to reduce fossil fuel dependence and limit greenhouse gas emissions, but new research shows that some of the most popular current biofuel stocks might have exactly the opposite impacts than intended. Thu, 29 May 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080527130056.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080527125905.htm Materials researchers across the globe have fervently been working to find the ideal hydrogen storage material, one that will safely and efficiently provide the needed range and running time for fuel cell vehicles. But a separate issue -- hydrogen "embrittlement" -- is an equally challenging technical hurdle that has gone largely unnoticed by the general public. Thu, 29 May 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080527125905.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080515145345.htm Engineers have improved the power output of one type of fuel cell by more than 50 percent through technology that could help these environmentally friendly energy storage devices find a much broader market, particularly in portable electronics. Mon, 19 May 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080515145345.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080512172317.htm Plants have an ambivalent relationship with light. They need it to live, but too much light leads to the increased production of high-energy chemical intermediates that can injure or kill the plant. The intermediates do this because the efficient conversion of sunlight into chemical energy cannot keep up with sunlight streaming into the plant. Tue, 13 May 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080512172317.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080508115822.htm The newest version of the Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions and Energy use in Transportation model will provide researchers with even more tools to evaluate and compare the environmental impacts of new transportation fuels and advanced vehicle technologies. The newest update released May 9 will allow scientists to model combustion of ethanol produced from Brazilian sugarcane and used by U.S. automobiles; production and use of bio-butanol as a potential transportation fuel; and production and use of biodiesel and renewable diesel via hydrogenation, coal/biomass co-feeding for Fischer-Tropsch diesel production and various corn ethanol plant types with different process fuels. Sat, 10 May 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080508115822.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080506115604.htm If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen and into the lab -- chemists can now use carbon nanotubes to judge the heat of chilli sauces. The technology might soon be available commercially as a cheap, disposable sensor for use in the food industry. Thu, 08 May 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080506115604.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080505120710.htm Methanol fuel cells are an efficient and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, but they are still not economically viable. Now, a research chemist has developed new materials that enable the manufacture of cheaper and more efficient methanol fuel cells. Tue, 06 May 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080505120710.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080501093520.htm In a "major step" toward a practical energy source for powering tomorrow's nanomachines, researchers report developing a new generation of sub-microscopic nanomotors that are up to 10 times more powerful than existing motors. The tiny motors, made of platinum and gold nanowires, are supercharged with carbon nanotubes. Go Speed Racer, go! Thu, 01 May 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080501093520.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080421123120.htm After powering the micro-electronics revolution, silicon could carve out an important new role in speeding the debut of ultra-clean fuel cell vehicles powered by hydrogen, researchers in China suggest. Their calculations show for the first time that silicon nanotubes can store hydrogen more efficiently than their carbon nanotube counterparts. Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080421123120.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080417173953.htm It is easy to overlook that most of the energy we consume daily, such as electricity or natural gas, is produced with the help of a dwindling resource -- fresh water. Scientists are researching the water-efficiency of some of the most common energy sources and power generating methods. Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080417173953.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080418090427.htm Two great obstacles to hydrogen-powered vehicles lie with fuel cells. Fuel cells, which like batteries produce electrical power through chemical reactions, have been plagued by their relatively low efficiency and high production costs. Scientists have tested a wide assortment of metals and materials to overcome the twin challenge. Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080418090427.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080414115101.htm Advanced gas reactors offer more efficient operation, less waste disposal and other benefits over water-cooled reactor designs used in U.S. nuclear power plants. But creating fuel that burns efficiently and reliably in the higher temperatures of advanced gas reactors has been a challenge -- until now. Fuel fabricated at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, in cooperation with Idaho National Laboratory and the Babcock & Wilcox Company, has demonstrated the most successful performance ever for U.S. advanced gas reactor fuel. Tue, 15 Apr 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080414115101.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407172717.htm Despite oil prices that hover around $100 a barrel, it may take at least 10 or more years of intensive research to reduce the cost of solar energy to levels competitive with petroleum, according to a leading expert on the topic. Fri, 11 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407172717.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080408085453.htm An enzyme from a microbe that lives inside a cow's stomach is the key to turning corn plants into fuel. The enzyme that allows a cow to digest grasses and other plant fibers can be used to turn other plant fibers into simple sugars. These simple sugars can be used to produce ethanol to power cars and trucks. Thu, 10 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080408085453.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080409170347.htm Sugar-powered cars may be in your future. Chemists report development of a "revolutionary" process for converting plant sugars into hydrogen, which could be used to cheaply and efficiently power vehicles equipped with hydrogen fuel cells without producing any pollutants. Thu, 10 Apr 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080409170347.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080402100010.htm One of the key engineering challenges to building a clean, efficient, hydrogen-powered car is how to design the fuel tank. Storing enough raw hydrogen for a reasonable driving range would require either impractically high pressures for gaseous hydrogen or extremely low temperatures for liquid hydrogen. A novel class of materials potentially could enable a practical hydrogen fuel tank for cars. Fri, 04 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080402100010.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080401141539.htm As gas prices continue to soar to record highs, motorists are crying out for an alternative that won't cramp their pocketbooks. Scientists are answering that call by working to chemically manipulate algae for production of the next generation of renewable fuels -- hydrogen gas. Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080401141539.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080330221014.htm Using hydrogen as an energy vector and in fuel cells may provide solutions to the specific energy challenges of the 21st century. Hydrogen production is currently based on the catalytic properties of "noble" metals such as platinum. Tue, 01 Apr 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080330221014.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080320182932.htm Researchers are developing an integrated system of thermochemical and catalytic technologies to efficiently produce ethanol from plant biomass. It will use a nanotechnology-based catalyst to produce ethanol fuel. Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080320182932.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080328114403.htm Researchers are developing a portable, hydrogen-generating power system to power everything from laptops to communications gear for soldiers in the battlefield. The system transforms jet fuel into hydrogen and will relive soldiers from having to carry heavy loads of batteries. Individual soldiers carry between 20 to 40 pounds of batteries on standard four-day missions. The batteries power soldiers' personal portable electronics, such as GPS systems and night-vision goggles. Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080328114403.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080328070103.htm Independent tests conducted by engineers at the US Department of Energy on a BMW Hydrogen 7 Mono-Fuel demonstration vehicle have found that the car's hydrogen-powered engine surpasses the super-ultra low-emission vehicle level, the most stringent emissions performance standard to date. Mon, 31 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080328070103.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080319133704.htm A new type of membrane based on tiny iron particles appears to address one of the major limitations exhibited by current power-generating fuel cell technology. While there are many types of fuel cells, in general they generate electricity as the result of chemical reactions between an external fuel -- most commonly hydrogen -- and an agent that reacts with it. The membrane that separates the two parts of the cell and facilitates the reaction is a key factor in determining the efficiency of the cell. Mon, 24 Mar 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080319133704.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080319104308.htm A public-private effort to develop technologies for more fuel-efficient automobiles and to investigate the feasibility of hydrogen-based vehicles has made significant progress in most research areas, says a new report. Fri, 21 Mar 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080319104308.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080310143531.htm The research to improve the performance of coated-particle nuclear fuel met an important milestone by reaching a burnup of 9 percent without any fuel failure. The research is key in supporting reactor licensing and operation for high-temperature reactors such as the Next Generation Nuclear Plant and similar reactors envisioned for subsequent commercial energy production. Thu, 13 Mar 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080310143531.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080307191300.htm Los Alamos National Laboratory has developed a low-risk, transformational concept, called Green Freedom, for large-scale production of carbon-neutral, sulfur-free fuels and organic chemicals from air and water. At the heart of the technology is a new process for extracting carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and making it available for fuel production using a new form of electrochemical separation. Wed, 12 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080307191300.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080304100413.htm Nuclear energy must increase by more than 10% each year from 2010 to 2050 to meet all future energy demands and replace fossil fuels, but this is an unsustainable prospect. According to a new report such a large growth rate will require a major improvement in nuclear power efficiency otherwise each new power plant will simply cannibalize the energy produced by earlier nuclear power plants. Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080304100413.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080303190535.htm Researchers studying bacteria capable of generating electricity have discovered that riboflavin (commonly known as vitamin B-2) is responsible for much of the energy produced by these organisms. Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080303190535.htm