ABERDEEN University researchers have made a “needle in a haystack” discovery that could “unlock” a fuel cell market and help reduce global carbon emissions.
The scientists, led by Professor Abbie McLaughlin, have struck upon chemical compounds that will extend the lifespan of ceramic fuel cells by lowering the temperatures at which they operate.
The fuel cells convert chemical energy into electrical energy and produce low emissions if powered by hydrogen, making them a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels.
They can be used to power cars and homes, but the high temperature of operation means they don’t last long enough and are not economic.
Lowering the working temperature is essential for long-term operation, stability, safety and cost.
The university’s chemists have spent years trying to find a new compound that would address this issue.
They finally struck it lucky with the discovery of a family of chemical compounds, collectively known as “hexagonal perovskites”, which exhibit high conductivity at lower temperatures.
Prof McLaughlin said: “Ceramic fuel cells are highly efficient, but the problem is they operate at really high temperatures, above 800 degrees Celsius. Because of that they have a short lifespan and use expensive components.
“For a number of years we’ve been looking for compounds that might overcome these issues in the relatively unexplored hexagonal perovskite family, but there are specific chemical features required which are hard to find in combination.
“For example, you need a chemical compound with very little electronic conductivity which is stable in both the hydrogen and oxygen environments of the fuel cell.
“What we have discovered here is a dual proton and oxide ion conductor that will operate successfully at a lower temperature – around 500C – which solves these problems. You could say that we’ve found the needle in a haystack that can unlock the full potential of this technology.”
