Technology for Basic Fuel Cell without Platinum Developed

Daihatsu Motor Co. announced on September 14, 2007 that it has developed technology for a new type of basic fuel cell jointly with the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology. The new fuel cell does not use platinum, an indispensable material in conventional fuel cells that use it as an electrocatalyst. The new fuel cell also emits no carbon dioxide (CO2), as it uses a safer and more stable form of hydrazine hydrate as fuel.

The new technology uses an alkaline electrolyte membrane, which allows the use of cobalt and nickel series metals, which are more inexpensive than platinum, as electrocatalysts. It also employs cheaper materials for such components as separators. This achieves a drastic cost reduction and will also conserve precious metal resources.

In addition, by using highly reactive hydrazine hydrate as fuel and a newly-developed electrolyte, the technology achieved a relatively high power output of 0.5watts per square centimeter, equivalent to the output of fuel cells that use platinum. Hydrazine hydrate is a CO2-free, synthesizable and recyclable fuel with high energy density. As it can take the form of a liquid, it is easy to handle when recharging.

Daihatsu Motor has developed a technology in which hydrazine hydrate is solidified by binding with a polymer in the fuel tank so as to minimize the impacts on human health and the environment from the possibility of fuel spilling from a tank damaged in a crash or other accident. The solid is turned into the right amount of liquid at the right time while the fuel cell is generating power. The company is planning to develop this technology further in order to improve the performance of the polymer, increase the capacity and durability of the fuel cell, and build relevant infrastructure.

http://www.daihatsu.com/news/

Posted: 2008/01/19 11:52:18 AM
Japanese version