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Wednesday, August 06, 2008

"ENERGY: Fuel cell advance could lower cost, boost efficiency"


A superlattice electrolyte with far greater conductivity could significantly boost fuel cell efficiency while lowering costs when compared to current solid-oxide fuel cells. Spanish researchers claim their superlattice electrolyte achieves almost 100 million times greater ionic conductivity than conventional fuel cell components. The new technique has been successfully characterized by scientists at the Energy Department's Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee. Delphi Automotive Systems, BMW and Rolls-Royce have all announced development programs for solid-oxide fuel cells. However, fuel cells based on the new superlattice electrolyte are being touted as far more efficient and cheaper for use in automobiles.
Text: http://www.eetimes.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=209903783