http://www.platinum.matthey.com//media_room/news_cat_438001106.html Latest news provided by Johnson Matthey. en-us Sun, 20 Jul 2008 14:13:57 GMT http://www.platinum.matthey.com//media_room/polyfuel_announce_methanol_fuel_cell_for_laptops_18688567.html
It has been integrated into the Lenovo T40 ThinkPad and represents a key step towards an efficient fuel cell for laptops.

The technology will be demonstrated to potential customers in the coming weeks and it follows the interest from high profile electronic companies.

A fuel cartridge can be swapped while the computer is in use, meaning the user can swap for a new power cartridge without losing power.

Jim Balcom, Chief Executive Officer of PolyFuel, said that creating a functioning prototype is a "critical step" in developing fuel cells.

He said it "brings closer the achievement of our ultimate objective - the widespread commercialisation of portable fuel cell technology".

The firm is expected to share its stack and systems reference design technologies under a simple licensing agreement with its customers.



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PolyFuel Discloses Prototype Notebook Computer Fuel Cell Power Supply, 16/07/08
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/polyfuel-discloses-prototype-notebook-computer/story.aspx?guid=%7b146D9793-2FE1-4B73-B599-375A29B2F1AD%7d&dist=hppr]]> 1216288801 http://www.platinum.matthey.com//media_room/intelligent_energy_calls_for_hydrogen_fuel_cell_use_18678264.html
Dr Henri Winand, Chief Executive of the firm, urged the senate to establish a system for the generation of hydrogen and its distribution, as well as linking the fuel cells to electricity grids.

He said that hydrogen and electricity could provide good business opportunities for energy firms "in terms of reduced capital expenditure and increased energy efficiency".

According to Dr Winand, hydrogen produced from natural gas or coal facilities could be distributed and used in fuel cell vehicles.

He also said that fuel cells could be charged when demand for power was high and then fed back into the electricity grid when it was needed.

This could be used in windfarms, which can produce lots of electricity at times and not as much at other times.

Turbines that generated hydrogen from excess energy could store it in a fuel cell and feed it into the grid when the weather was not so windy.

Dr Jon Moore, director of communications, told BusinessGreen.com that hydrogen produced from renewable energy and used in a fuel cell was as emission free "as it is possible to be".



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Intelligent Energy calls on US senate to back hydrogen, 09/07/08
http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2221172/intelligent-energy-calls-senate]]> 1215691201 http://www.platinum.matthey.com//media_room/palladium_alloy_used_in_new_membrane_18677914.html
The membrane is constructed from a 15-micron-thick film of a palladium alloy that is welded into a smooth cylinder shape.

When it comes into contact with hydrogen, the molecule splits into separate hydrogen atoms which can then pass through the spaces between the alloy.

As a result, the new technology is able to achieve a yield of more than 99.9999 per cent pure hydrogen.

No special equipment is necessary because hydrogen is the only substance that can pass through the membrane, allowing machinery using hydrogen to be designed cheaper and smaller.

The technology could be used in a range of devices that could hit the market in 2009.

Nippon Seisen is expected to develop it for use in fuel cells for cars and homes.



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Japanese Co develops low-cost way to make high-purity hydrogen, 09/07/08
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The electrode catalyst is made of the new platinum alloy, according to reports from Tech On, and Sony has reportedly filed for patents on the new system, as well as materials and other aspects of the technology.

The new development is the first time that Sony has included a rechargeable battery, control circuit and other elements into the same system.

Previously, the firm had only been involved with evaluation results for solid polymer electrolyte membranes using fullerene, membrane electrode assemblies.

Sony's material laboratory said: "We have been aiming for a system that can be put into mobile gear."

The firm said it had reached a stage where it could explore commercial design.

The prototype will use a direct methanol fuel cell and will operate with a peak output of 3W - enough to support a mobile phone - the firm said.



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Sony Prototypes Ultra-Small Fuel Cell, 02/07/08
http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/article/HONSHI/20080625/153880/]]> 1215000002 http://www.platinum.matthey.com//media_room/fuel_cell_roundup_june_2008_18660056.html
At the beginning of the month, Governments from across the European Union agreed to spend $731 million to develop fuel cells and hydrogen technology. The innovative technologies could be used in cars and could slash oil consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Funding could be matched by automobile companies and the lower emissions vehicles could become a reality between 2010 and 2020.

A carbon-free minibus powered with three green technologies was unveiled this month. With a range of about 150 miles, the bus will be used by students at the University of Glamorgan. It is powered by hydrogen fuel cells, batteries and ultra-capacitors. The minibus automatically uses the most appropriate form of power.

MTI Micro Fuel Cells announced the expansion of its operations in China after it opened a new office in Shanghai. The office develop relationships between manufacturers and low-cost component suppliers in China and according to Peng Lim, chairman of the firm, it represents a big step in reaching "manufacturing readiness".

Toyota announced this month that it has developed a fuel-cell vehicle that can run for 516 miles on a single tank of hydrogen. The car is also capable of running in temperatures as low as 30 degrees Celsius. Government agencies will be leasing out the zero-emission FCHV-adv models which emit only water. A slightly bigger fuel tank and a doubling of the maximum storage pressure have been able to extend the range of previous models.

Honda announced this month that it had begun production of the FCX Clarity. Running on hydrogen fuel cells that only emit water vapour, the new car is three times more fuel efficient than traditional petrol powered models.

In addition, Honda is set to bring its new fuel cell vehicle to the Hokkaido Toyako Summit in July. The event will see the FCX Clarity and the Civic Hybrid, as well as other technologies, make an appearance. The participation will show the Japanese government's support for advanced environmental technologies.

General Motors announced this month that it was taking up a partnership with Clean Energy Fuels to construct a new hydrogen refuelling station in Los Angeles. The station will serve cars running on hydrogen fuel cells that only emit water, rather than CO2. The station could be the first of many and it will be located near to Los Angeles International Airport. A network of stations could be created and General Motors has already stated its intention to have 1,000 fuel cell vehicles in California between 2012 and 2014.

Genepax Co explained the technology behind its new fuel-cell system. By supplying water and air to electrodes the technology produces power. The system is similar to that of a normal fuel cell (which uses hydrogen as a fuel) but Genepax say its main feature is the membrane electrode assembly. This technology contains a material capable of breaking down water into hydrogen and oxygen through a chemical reaction.

The Japanese government has officially certified the Suzuki SX4-FCV, according to the car's manufacturers. Suzuki revealed that it developed the vehicle after it was certified by the Japanese Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Development of the vehicle will move towards a commercial application through the conducting of public road tests.

Meanwhile, DuPont and SFC Smart Fuel Cell AG announced that the M-25 portable fuel cell had been deployed for its first limited use in the field with the US army. Cindy Green, Vice President of DuPont Fluoroproducts said the firm was pleased to make a breakthrough that will help soldiers. The technology can power digital communication and navigation equipment as well as providing continuous and quiet power.

Ballard Power Systems announced a partnership with Dantherm Power A/S to provide BC Hydro with a 100kw supplemental power product. It will be used in the Bella Coola community in British Colombia. Ballard Power Systems indicated that it was pleased to continue the development of exciting fuel cell products.

Finally, Shell announced this month that it will open California's first hydrogen refuelling station. Located on Santa Monica Boulevard, the station will provide consumers with a place to fill hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles.
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The firm believes the mix of metals boosts the sensitivity and the durability of the sensor.

Used to detect traces of hydrogen, the sensor can find amounts as little as 1,000 parts per million.

It can detect the trace of hydrogen within a second and the device lasts for over three years before it needs to be replaced.

An explosive gas, hydrogen could be dangerous without detection, meaning the semiconductor senses could be in high demand as fuel cells become more widespread.

The technology can run on small amounts of power and they usually use palladium, but in this instance Hitachi have opted for a platinum and titanium mix.

Palladium can peel away from the electrode when the concentration of hydrogen is too high and the detection of the gas often takes longer.



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Hitachi develops cutting edge hydrogen sensor, 24/06/08
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