Info
Info

Volkswagen and Stanford University jointly develop cheaper fuel cell technology

News
The fuel cell is regarded as a serious alternative to the classic electric car with battery cells. However, the biggest problem is the comparatively high cost of the technology.
Info

A partnership between Volkswagen and the prestigious Stanford University in the US has now significantly reduced this disadvantage thanks to a newly developed process.

One of the biggest cost drivers for fuel cells in particular is the use of the precious metal platinum. Platinum is required as a catalyst to operate the fuel cell. The material is distributed as particles on carbon powder. However, the desired catalytic process only takes place on the surface of the platinum particles, which wastes large quantities of the cost-intensive material.

In a process newly developed by Volkswagen and Stanford University, platinum atoms are specifically placed on a carbon surface in order to produce extremely thin particles. This can reduce the amount of platinum currently required to a fraction of this amount. This increases the efficiency of the newly developed fuel cell catalyst by a factor of three compared to current technology, while at the same time increasing its durability.

Prof. Prinz of Stanford University: "This technology opens up enormous possibilities for cost reduction, as the amount of precious metal used is minimised. At the same time, service life and catalyst performance are increased. In addition to the fuel cell, atomic layer deposition also offers a whole range of other applications requiring high-performance materials, such as next-generation lithium-ion batteries."

Not only fuel cells, but also conventional batteries benefit from the researchers' new findings. Dr. Thomas Schladt from Volkswagen Group Research: "This is of course also interesting for other automotive applications, such as batteries. However, the modified variant of ALD (atomic layer deposition), which was developed here, takes the whole thing to a whole new level."

The fuel cell has great potential in emission-free mobility. The advantages over current electric vehicles are significant. In terms of efficiency, range and refuelling times, cars with fuel cells are comparable to conventional combustion engines. However, the vehicle only gives off water and heat as emissions.

Due to the comparatively high production costs, the fuel cell is currently still a niche product. However, with the help of the new catalyst technology, the economic efficiency would increase enormously. This would make the fuel cell a real alternative to battery-powered drives and the classic combustion engine. The task of the researchers is now to transfer the results obtained in the laboratory to industrial large-scale production.


The Latest News, Brought To You By
Volkswagen and Stanford University jointly develop cheaper fuel cell technology
Modified on Friday 28th September 2018
Find all articles related to:
Volkswagen and Stanford University jointly develop cheaper fuel cell technology
TaaS Technology Magazine
Info
Hyundai Motor Group Unveils TIGER Uncrewed Ultimate Mobility Vehicle Concept
Humax To Supply RAiDEA Mobility Service Platform In The Middle East
How The Volkswagen ID.4 Communicates With Light
Niro EV’s Latest Accolade Reinforces The Strength Of Kia’s Electric Vehicle Lineup
REE Automotive Opens New Engineering Center Of Excellence In The UK
Forward31 And Lufthansa Innovation Hub Launch Startup Partnership
Kia Starts Pilot Of Last-mile Delivery Service In Singapore For Future PBV Business
VivoPower Secures 100% Ownership Of Tembo E-LV B.V.
Faurecia And Immersion Partner For Haptic Automotive Technologies
Daimler Plans Separation Into Two Pure-play Companies And Majority Listing Of Daimler Truck To Accelerate Into Zero- Emissions And Software-driven Future
Mazda First OEM To Join The EFuel Alliance
Ford Raises Planned Investment In EV, AV Leadership To $29 Billion
Cosworth And Delta Sign Agreement For Acquisition
Ouster Achieves Major Automotive Grade Milestone
Riversimple And Siemens: The Beginning Of A Long-term Strategic Relationship
Volta Trucks Selects Meritor To Supply The Innovative Electric Drivetrain For The Volta Zero
Plus Commits To Deploy Ouster’s Digital Lidar Sensors
AIR Index Vehicle Emissions Rating System Offers First Realistic, Fully-fledged Alternative To Official Data
Abarth Launches World’s First Virtual Reality Test Drive Delivered To Homes
Trimble Teams With ROBORACE
Kia Unveils Roadmap For Transformation, Focusing On EVs And Mobility Solutions
AVL Advances Development Of Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine For CO2 Neutral Transportation
Alauda Unveils The World’s First Flying Electric Racing Car
Targa Telematics Supports Leasys Miles In The UK
Info
Info
×
Search the news archive

To close this popup you can press escape or click the close icon.
Logo
×
Logo
×
Register - Step 1

You may choose to subscribe to the TaaS Magazine, the TaaS Newsletter, or both. You may also request additional information if required, before submitting your application.


Please subscribe me to:

 

You chose the industry type of "Other"

Please enter the industry that you work in:
Please enter the industry that you work in:
 
X
Info
X
Info
{taasPodcastNotification} Array
Live Event