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 Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:05:01 EST Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:05:01 EST 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/2009/11/091120084617.htm With the introduction of a single bacterial gene into yeast, researchers have achieved three improvements in bioethanol production from agricultural waste material: 'More ethanol, less acetate and elimination of the major by-product glycerol' Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091120084617.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104122522.htm New scientific discoveries are moving society toward the era of "personalized solar energy," in which the focus of electricity production shifts from huge central generating stations to individuals in their own homes and communities. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104122522.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119193818.htm Most people would like to be able to charge their cell phones and other personal electronics quickly and not too often. A recent discovery made by engineers could lead to carbon nanotube-based supercapacitors that could do just this. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119193818.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091117094829.htm Scientists have set a new world record with next-generation particle fuel for use in high temperature gas reactors (HTGRs). Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091117094829.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116143619.htm It's the year 2060, and 75 percent of drivers in the Greater Los Angeles area have hydrogen fuel cell vehicles that emit only water vapor. Look into Shane Stephens-Romero's crystal ball -- a computer model called STREET -- and find that air quality has significantly improved. Greenhouse gas emissions are more than 60 percent lower than in 2009, and levels of microscopic soot and ozone are about 15 percent and 10 percent lower, respectively. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116143619.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091112095042.htm In the quest to make hydrogen as a clean alternative fuel source, researchers have been stymied about how to create usable hydrogen that is clean and sustainable without relying on an intensive, high-energy process that outweighs the benefits of not using petroleum to power vehicles. New findings however, show that photosynthesis may function as that clean, sustainable source of hydrogen. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091112095042.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105132454.htm Scientists are making progress toward development of an "artificial leaf" that mimics a real leaf's chemical magic with photosynthesis -- but instead converts sunlight and water into a liquid fuel such as methanol for cars and trucks. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105132454.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102111834.htm A new generation of high-energy (>kJ) petawatt (HEPW) lasers is being constructed worldwide to study high intensity laser matter interactions, including fast ignition. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102111834.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019122835.htm A new report examines and, when possible, estimates "hidden" costs of energy production and use -- such as the damage air pollution imposes on human health -- that are not reflected in market prices of coal, oil, other energy sources, or the electricity and gasoline produced from them. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019122835.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022141110.htm Scientists take an important step in converting methane gas to a liquid, giving the potential of making it more useful as a fuel and as a source for making other chemicals. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022141110.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013110042.htm Researchers have found a way to make a key electronic component on a phenomenally tiny scale -- a single-molecule diode. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013110042.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091018141718.htm Chemists have discovered a new material that allows a PEM fuel cell, known as a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell, to work at a higher temperature. This discovery is extremely important in terms of increasing the efficiency and decreasing the cost of PEM fuel cells. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091018141718.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001163721.htm A new ceramic material could help expand the applications for solid oxide fuel cells -- devices that generate electricity directly from a wide range of liquid or gaseous fuels without the need to separate hydrogen. Sun, 18 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001163721.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013123350.htm The Naval Research Laboratory's Ion Tiger, a hydrogen-powered fuel cell unmanned air vehicle, has flown 23 hours and 17 minutes, setting an unofficial flight endurance record for a fuel-cell powered flight. Thu, 15 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013123350.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091012135506.htm A new type of redox flow battery presents a huge advantage for electric cars. If the rechargeable batteries are low, the discharged electrolyte fluid can simply be exchanged at the gas station for recharged fluid – as easy as refilling the gas tank. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091012135506.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008131858.htm Researchers are capitalizing on the environmental and financial benefits of "biofuels" by using nanotechnology to further improve the cellulosic ethanol processes. Sat, 10 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008131858.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007161127.htm Researchers are developing a new type of rocket propellant made of a frozen mixture of water and "nanoscale aluminum" powder that is more environmentally friendly than conventional propellants and could be manufactured on the moon, Mars and other water-bearing bodies. Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007161127.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005161332.htm The first demonstration of a renewable method for hydrogen production from wastewater using a microbial electrolysis system is underway at the Napa Wine Company in Oakville. The refrigerator-sized hydrogen generator will take winery wastewater, and using bacteria and a small amount of electrical energy, convert the organic material into hydrogen. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005161332.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929100654.htm Converting the rubbish that fills the world's landfills into biofuel may be the answer to both the growing energy crisis and to tackling carbon emissions, claim scientists in Singapore and Switzerland. New research reveals how replacing gasoline with biofuel from processed waste could cut global carbon emissions by 80%. Sat, 03 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929100654.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929132503.htm Researchers have developed a fuel cell that harvests electricity from glucose, using a common herbicide as a catalyst. Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929132503.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090923133010.htm Imagine a gift wrapped in paper you really do treasure and want to carefully fold and save. That's because the wrapping paper lights up with words like "Happy Birthday" or "Happy Holidays," thanks to a built in battery -- an amazing battery made out of paper. That's one potential application of a new battery made of cellulose, the stuff of paper. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090923133010.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917161742.htm Imagine a car that runs on hydrogen from solar power and produces water instead of carbon emissions. While vehicles like this won't be on the market anytime soon, researchers are making incremental but important strides in the fuel cell technology that could make clean cars a reality. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917161742.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918110646.htm A group of ambitious students will soon sail up the Hudson River, propelled by pollution-free hydrogen fuel cells and a clear vision for a cleaner, greener future. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918110646.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918105110.htm While the cost of fuel has put a damper on the travel plans of many Americans, one father-son engineering duo with a passion for RV travel has decided to combat the problem by creating a concept for an electric-hybrid passenger vehicle with the ability to improve fuel economy and increase the acceleration of the motor home towing it. Fri, 18 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918105110.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918100004.htm The largest US subsidies to fossil fuels are attributed to tax breaks that aid foreign oil production, according to new research. The study, which reviewed fossil fuel and energy subsidies for Fiscal Years 2002-2008, reveals that the lion's share of energy subsidies supported energy sources that emit high levels of greenhouse gases. Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918100004.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090907013811.htm Bacteria that generate significant amounts of electricity could be used in microbial fuel cells to provide power in remote environments or to convert waste to electricity. Researchers isolated bacteria with large numbers of tiny projections called pili which were more efficient at transferring electrons to generate power in fuel cells than bacteria with a smooth surface. Thu, 10 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090907013811.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908203750.htm A consortium brought together by low carbon experts is launching the first bus in the UK to run on clean, biomethane gas. Thu, 10 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908203750.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901143317.htm A new method for "recycling" hydrogen-containing fuel materials could open the door to economically viable hydrogen-based vehicles. In a new study, researchers describe a significant advance in hydrogen storage science. Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901143317.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090820083442.htm Chemists are preparing to play an important but often unheralded role in determining the success of one of the largest and most important scientific experiments in history — next year's initial attempts at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) to produce the world's first controlled nuclear fusion reaction. If successful in taming the energy source of the sun, stars, and of the hydrogen bomb, scientists could develop a limitless new source of producing electricity for homes, factories, and businesses. Thu, 20 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090820083442.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810105622.htm The fuels cell that four Scandinavian industrial companies are developing could supply power to trailers and fork-lift trucks. Wed, 12 Aug 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810105622.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090805095235.htm To use hydrogen as a clean energy source, some engineers want to pack it into a larger molecule, rather than compressing the gas into a tank. But getting hydrogen out of a molecule requires a catalyst. Now, researchers reveal new details about one such rhodium-based catalyst. The results are a step toward designing catalysts for use in hydrogen energy applications such as fuel cells. Mon, 10 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090805095235.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090806141720.htm Researchers have completed a successful flight test of the fuel cell powered XFC (eXperimental Fuel Cell) unmanned aerial system. During the June 2 flight test, the XFC UAS was airborne for more than six hours. Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090806141720.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090806112601.htm A process that cleans wastewater and generates electricity can also remove 90 percent of salt from brackish water or seawater, according to an international team of researchers from China and the US. Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090806112601.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803132737.htm Diesel and gasoline fuel sources both bring unique assets and liabilities to powering internal combustion engines. But what if an engine could be programmed to harvest the best properties of both fuel sources at once, on the fly, by blending the fuels within the combustion chamber? Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803132737.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090729210821.htm In their most recent experiments with Geobacter, the sediment-loving microbe whose hairlike filaments help it to produce electric current from mud and wastewater, scientists supervised the evolution of a new strain that dramatically increases power output per cell and overall bulk power. It also works with a thinner biofilm than earlier strains, cutting the time to reach electricity-producing concentrations on the electrode. Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090729210821.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090728123045.htm With a sustained national commitment, the United States could obtain substantial energy-efficiency improvements, new sources of energy, and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions through the accelerated deployment of existing and emerging energy technologies. Sat, 01 Aug 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090728123045.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623090358.htm Scientists have shown that using mud from waste water treatment plants as a partial alternative fuel can enable cement factories to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions and comply with the Kyoto Protocol, as well as posing no risk to human health and being profitable. These are the results of an environmental impact assessment. Fri, 31 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623090358.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090729103734.htm Call it a "shrimp cocktail" for your fuel tank. Scientists are reporting development of a catalyst made from shrimp shells that could transform production of biodiesel fuel into a faster, less expensive, and more environmentally friendly process. Thu, 30 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090729103734.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727135532.htm Using electrolyzed water rather than harsh chemicals could be a more effective and environmentally friendly method in the pretreatment of ethanol waste products to produce an acetone-butanol-ethanol fuel mix, according to new research. Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727135532.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727080836.htm The most important way to reduce carbon dioxide from transport is to get the transport sector integrated into the overall energy system, according to experts. Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727080836.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090724124134.htm Concerns about dwindling fossil fuel resources, current levels of petroleum consumption, and growing pressure to shift to more sustainable energy sources are among many factors prompting the transition from our current energy infrastructure to one that uses less carbon and requires the efficient conversion of energy. Fuel cells have the potential to replace the internal combustion engine in vehicles and provide power in stationary and portable power applications, as they are energy-efficient, clean and fuel-flexible. Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090724124134.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090708073944.htm Could the cars and laptops of the future be fueled by old chip fat? A group of engineers believe so, and are developing an energy efficient, environmentally-friendly hydrogen production system. The system enables hydrogen to be extracted from waste materials, such as vegetable oil and the glycerol by-product of bio-diesel. The aim is to create the high purity hydrogen-based fuel necessary not only for large-scale power production, but also for smaller portable fuel cells. Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090708073944.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090714154822.htm Microfluidic fuel cells could provide the necessary energy to provide continuous power to remote sensors, mobile phones and laptops, according to a student. Microfluidics deals with the behavior, precise control and manipulation of fluids that are geometrically constrained to a small, typically sub-millimeter, scale. Wed, 15 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090714154822.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706112904.htm Researchers have created a reversible route to generate aluminum hydride, a high capacity hydrogen storage material. This achievement is not only expected to accelerate the development of a whole class of storage materials, but also has far reaching applications in areas spanning energy technology and synthetic chemistry. Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706112904.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090702080358.htm For a long time, batteries were bulky and heavy. Now, a new cutting-edge battery is revolutionizing the field. It is thinner than a millimeter, lighter than a gram, and can be produced cost-effectively through a printing process. Sun, 05 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090702080358.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629132158.htm Scientists have developed an electrochemical process for coating metal implants which vastly improves their functionality, longevity and integration into the body. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629132158.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623120833.htm Scientists in Delaware say they have developed a new hydrogen storage method -- carbonized chicken feather fibers -- that can hold vast amounts of hydrogen, a promising but difficult to corral fuel source, and do it at a far lower cost than other hydrogen storage systems under consideration. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623120833.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090611112651.htm A student in Spain has designed a way to increase the energy sustainability of hybrid cars. The implementation of his idea enables a vehicle to consume much less fuel than it would with a conventional configuration. Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090611112651.htm