In Energy
Fuel Cell
The first fuel cell (or "gas battery") was invented by William Robert Grove in 1839; only 39 years after Alessandro Volta invented the battery (the voltaic cell). Unfortunately, the materials that Grove used to make his fuel cell were unstable and the technology was unusable. One hundred and twenty years later, NASA revived fuel cell technology with new materials and used it on manned space flights. These new fuel cells were quiet, reliable, and clean, and produced water as a by-product. It was an ideal scenario. The fuel cells produced both power and drinking water for the astronauts.
Today, there are a number of different types of fuels cells under development. But there are still some challenges with this technology – challenges that nanotechnology may be able to address.
Researchers around the world are using nanotechnology to make new fuel cell membranes that would substantially increase the energy output. Nonmaterial is being developed to take the place of the highly expensive platinum parts in current fuel cells, and nanotubes hold promise as hydrogen delivery systems.
Today, there are a number of different types of fuels cells under development. But there are still some challenges with this technology – challenges that nanotechnology may be able to address.
Researchers around the world are using nanotechnology to make new fuel cell membranes that would substantially increase the energy output. Nonmaterial is being developed to take the place of the highly expensive platinum parts in current fuel cells, and nanotubes hold promise as hydrogen delivery systems.
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