Published , Modified Abstract on Carbon-Coated Nickel Enables Fuel Cell Free of Precious Metals Original source
Carbon-Coated Nickel Enables Fuel Cell Free of Precious Metals
Introduction
Fuel cells are a promising technology for generating clean energy, but they often rely on expensive precious metals like platinum and palladium. However, recent research has shown that carbon-coated nickel can be used as a catalyst in fuel cells, offering a cheaper and more sustainable alternative.
What are Fuel Cells?
Fuel cells are devices that convert the chemical energy of a fuel (usually hydrogen) into electrical energy. They work by passing the fuel through an anode, where it is split into protons and electrons. The protons then pass through a membrane to the cathode, while the electrons are forced to travel around the membrane, creating an electrical current.
The Problem with Precious Metals
While fuel cells offer many advantages over traditional combustion engines, they have one major drawback: they often rely on expensive precious metals like platinum and palladium as catalysts. These metals are highly effective at splitting hydrogen molecules into protons and electrons, but they are also rare and expensive.
The Solution: Carbon-Coated Nickel
Recent research has shown that carbon-coated nickel can be used as a catalyst in fuel cells, offering a cheaper and more sustainable alternative to precious metals. The carbon coating helps to prevent corrosion of the nickel catalyst, while also improving its performance.
How it Works
The carbon-coated nickel catalyst works by splitting hydrogen molecules into protons and electrons at the anode. The protons then pass through a membrane to the cathode, while the electrons are forced to travel around the membrane, creating an electrical current. The carbon coating helps to prevent corrosion of the nickel catalyst, ensuring that it remains effective over time.
Benefits of Carbon-Coated Nickel
There are several benefits to using carbon-coated nickel as a catalyst in fuel cells:
Cost-Effective
Nickel is much cheaper than precious metals like platinum and palladium, making it a more cost-effective option for fuel cell catalysts.
Sustainable
Nickel is also more abundant than precious metals, making it a more sustainable option for fuel cell catalysts.
Improved Performance
The carbon coating on the nickel catalyst helps to prevent corrosion, ensuring that it remains effective over time. This can lead to improved performance and longer-lasting fuel cells.
Conclusion
Carbon-coated nickel offers a promising alternative to precious metals as catalysts in fuel cells. Its cost-effectiveness and sustainability make it an attractive option for researchers and manufacturers alike. As research continues, we may see more widespread adoption of this technology in the future.
FAQs
Q: What are fuel cells used for?
A: Fuel cells are used to generate clean energy by converting the chemical energy of a fuel (usually hydrogen) into electrical energy.
Q: Why are precious metals often used as catalysts in fuel cells?
A: Precious metals like platinum and palladium are highly effective at splitting hydrogen molecules into protons and electrons, but they are also rare and expensive.
Q: What is the benefit of using carbon-coated nickel as a catalyst in fuel cells?
A: Carbon-coated nickel is cheaper and more sustainable than precious metals, while also offering improved performance due to its corrosion-resistant coating.
This abstract is presented as an informational news item only and has not been reviewed by a subject matter professional. This abstract should not be considered medical advice. This abstract might have been generated by an artificial intelligence program. See TOS for details.