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Researchers at the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences are making advances in fuel cell technology that could allow portable electronics to run on fuels like methane and the researchers don't think we'll have to wait long for methane-fueled laptops.
The research team is working on solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and have found ways to lower the operating temperature and lower the cost of materials, both major hurdles that have, so far, restricted SOFCs to lab use. The team developed a thin-film SOFC that uses densely-packed nano-scale ceramic films and does away with platinum electrodes. The small size and elimination of platinum both increases stability and lowers the cost of the fuel cell.
The team also has been able to demonstrate a methane-fueled SOFC operating at less than 500 degrees Celsius. Traditional SOFCs typically operate at 800 - 1000 degrees Celsius. The team says that 300 - 500 degrees Celsius is the "sweet spot" where the SOFCs could be used in portable electronics or transportation vehicles.
via Science Daily
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written by Alfa, December 09, 2010
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written by Richard Davine, December 09, 2010
Having solid-oxide fuel cells run off methane and without platinum is significantly excellent as its saves the major costs of cell production and source of fuel. No more need to make hydrogen from oil.
If it really works, this could be a major leap for the electric age.
Batteries are groovy and they are currently the best, yes. But batteries are also toxic and require mined materials. Nothing is perfect.
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written by Slowking, December 27, 2010
That's insanely high. Maybe you could isolate that in a car (though I doubt it) but the talk of laptops is just rubbish.
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Cleaner than what? Is this the same tired argument that assumes that all electricity from the plug comes from a coal plant, then declares the alternative source 'cleaner' whilst ignoring the relative efficiencies?