DURHAM, N.C., March 25 (UPI) -- U.S. engineers have created a new type of membrane based on tiny iron particles, resolving a major limitation of current power-generating fuel cells.
Fuel cells are commonly used in satellites, submarines or remote weather stations because they have no moving parts, don't require combustion and can run unattended for long periods of time. However, scientists said current fuel cells lose efficiency as the temperature rises and the humidity falls.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a membrane that allows fuel cells to operate at low humidity and theoretically at higher temperatures.
"The current gold standard membrane is a polymer that needs to be in a humid environment in order to function efficiently," said Mark Wiesner, senior author of the study. "If the polymer membrane dries out, its efficiency drops. We developed a ceramic membrane made of iron nanoparticles that works at much lower humidities. And because it is a ceramic, it should also tolerate higher temperatures.
If tests prove the new membranes perform well at high temperatures, we believe it might attract the type of investment needed to bring this technology to the market," Wiesner added.
The findings are reported online in the Journal of Membrane Science.
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