Breakthrough Platinum-Free Catalyst for Fuel Cell

In a paper published in Science, Los Alamos researchers Gang Wu, Christina Johnston, Zelenay, and Karren More of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, describe the use of a platinum-free catalyst in the cathode of a hydrogen fuel cell. Replacing platinum by catalyst made of carbon, iron, and cobalt would pave the way for widespread use of energy efficient fuel cell systems. This research breakthrough holds a promise to advance Direct Ethanol Fuel Cells (DEFCs) which in turn may significantly boost the bioethanol market.