A team of researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in Hefei, Anhui Province, China, has found that fuel cell vehicle development in China could catch up with fuel cell leaders such as Japan and South Korea simply by adding a new form of platinum.

　　Gasgoo News Although the price of lithium-ion batteries is gradually declining, the development of fuel cells is still hindered by the high price and short life of platinum catalysts. However, according to foreign media reports, a team of researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in Hefei, Anhui Province, China, found that by adding new forms of platinum, China's fuel cell vehicles can develop faster than those in Japan and South Korea. leader. Chinese automakers now produce most of the world's battery-electric vehicles, and the government hopes to take a leadership position in fuel cells. Last year, China's Beijing and local governments provided $12.4 billion (about 83.1 billion yuan) in subsidies for fuel cell vehicles.

　　Platinum catalysts drive a core reaction within a proton exchange membrane automotive fuel cell that produces water. A professor at the Hefei National Physical Science Laboratory at the University of Science and Technology of China says they have found a way to protect platinum catalysts from ubiquitous carbon monoxide contamination. This method is closely associated with platinum, hindering the catalytic reaction. Carbon monoxide is present because most hydrogen fuel is produced from hydrocarbon fuels, which even after purification contain up to 0.2 parts per million of carbon monoxide (CO). Over time, CO accumulates on the catalyst, slowing down the fuel cell's reactions and eventually causing the battery to fail.

　　The researchers found a solution by designing a new catalyst, platinum particles containing iron oxide, that can quickly burn off the CO in hydrogen. The catalyst selectively converts CO into harmless CO2 and, crucially, works over a wide temperature range. Test results showed that the catalyst's CO content was reduced by a factor of 200 when operating between -75 and 107 degrees Celsius. In the short term, the researchers say they hope the catalyst can extend the life of expensive fuel cell stacks in fuel cell vehicles, and in the future they hope to allow people to use low-grade hydrogen fuel at a lower price "affordable to everyone."

　　In the past two years, several Chinese companies have purchased shares in foreign fuel cell companies and established joint ventures to acquire advanced fuel cell technology. Most recently, in November 2018, Chinese engine and auto parts manufacturer Weichai Power acquired a 20% stake in Canadian fuel cell pioneer Ballard Power Systems, and also acquired a British 20% stake in fuel cell manufacturer Ceres Power.

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