Platinum has been used in the development of a new nanoscale catalyst that could allow for the commercialisation of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells in vehicles.

Researchers from the Argonne National Laboratory at the US department of energy have reported that they have discovered a clear trend in the behaviour of extended and nanoscale surfaces of a platinum-bimetallic alloy.

The researchers have been looking at the behaviour of single crystal and polycrystalline platinum alloy surfaces and found that the nanosegregated platinum-nickel alloy surface has some unique catalytic possibilities.

It is thought that the discovery could enable the development of active and stable cathode catalysts for use in fuel cells.

Such a development could result in PEM fuel cells becoming more commercially viable in the future.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd