A group of German scientists claim to have created a new, improved fuel-cell electrode containing platinum.

Light and thin, the electrode is composed of single walled carbon nanotubes and functions nearly as well as conventional electrodes while making the fuel cell much lighter.

As fuel cells need to become more streamlined, carbon nanotubes have an advantage over other materials, Martti Kaempgen, the corresponding scientist on the research claimed.

The nanotube forms the fuel cell's gas diffusion electrode, a layer allowing gas and water vapour to pass through to the catalyst later that contains the platinum particles.

The protons and electrons of the gas material are separated and turn into electricity.

"Fuel cells that are light and small have been proposed as energy conversion devices in various portable appliances, such as cell phones, cameras, and notebook computers," Mr Kaempgen told PhysOrg.com.

"Since the space and weight of the devices are key requirements, the energy density they provide should be maximized," he added.

Source:

Carbon Nanotubes Improve Fuel Cells 27/03/08
http://www.physorg.com/news125836368.html

Multifunctional carbon nanotube networks for fuel cells, 05/03/08
http://scitation.aip.org/getabs/servlet/GetabsServlet?prog=normal&id=APPLAB000092000009094103000001&idtype=cvips&gifs=yes

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