Foreign Media: Chinese scientists have achieved a new breakthrough in hydrogen fuel cell technology, which could expand its application scope from automobiles to fields such as aerospace.
A research team from Beijing Institute of Technology published a paper in the journal Science, announcing the development of a new technology that can increase the power output of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) by approximately four times. This advancement helps reduce the size and weight of fuel cell power systems while enhancing vehicles' sustained power output and driving range. PEMFCs are currently widely used in hydrogen-powered vehicles, operating at temperatures around 60 to 80 degrees Celsius, converting about 50% to 60% of hydrogen energy into electricity, with water being their only emission. The breakthrough may further promote the application of hydrogen energy in transportation, aerospace, and low-carbon energy systems.
This technological breakthrough overcomes the bottleneck of proton transfer, enabling smaller and lighter fuel cell stacks, thus providing hydrogen-powered vehicles with stronger continuous power and longer range, while also reducing the use of expensive platinum catalysts. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells typically operate between 60–80°C, converting 50%–60% of the energy in hydrogen fuel into electricity. Their working principle involves hydrogen molecules releasing electrons at the anode to become protons; these protons pass through the electrolyte membrane and combine with electrons and oxygen at the cathode to form water, while the electrons flow through an external circuit to generate current. This progress holds promise for expanding hydrogen energy applications beyond road transportation into areas such as space missions.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1876045155794956/
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