New research into hydrogen atoms could have important implications for metal catalysts and fuel cells.

Scientists at Penn State University in America have managed to manipulate hydrogen atoms into stable sites underneath a palladium crystal surface to create a structure which could have important uses in the future development in catalysts and fuel cells.

Professor Paul S Weiss, who led the research, explains: "Indirect experimental data have shown that chemically reactive hydrogen atoms were located at such sites, but there was no way to test them."

He continued: "This material will allow us to test the predictions and to apply data from direct observation."

Being able to observe how the presence of the hydride in sites within a metal crystal affects the chemical is important for the development of catalysts because it could help to improve reactions involving metal catalysts.

It could also have practical benefits for fuel cells, as the research may provide a model material for application in the storage of hydrogen, something which has been a major hurdle in the development of fuel cells.


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