Fuel Cell Breakthrough: UK Scientists Pave the Way for Longer-Lasting Hydrogen Vehicles

Hydrogen is increasingly being seen as a viable fuel alternative, particularly for heavy-duty vehicles. Hydrogen-powered vehicles produce only water vapour as exhaust, making them a potentially cleaner option. If the hydrogen is generated using renewable energy sources, the entire process becomes completely carbon-free.

Unlike battery-powered electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles don't rely on the electricity grid. Hydrogen can be produced and stored when electricity is cheap, offering a more flexible energy solution. However, one major hurdle hindering the widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel cells is their relatively short lifespan. Fuel cell components, like electrodes and membranes, degrade over time, limiting their overall effectiveness.

A team of researchers from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden has developed a new method for studying the ageing process of fuel cells, potentially paving the way for improved performance and extended lifespan. This groundbreaking research, published in the journal *ACS Catalysis*, provides a deeper understanding of the degradation process within the fuel cell.

The researchers examined a complete fuel cell, dismantling it at regular intervals to analyse its components. Using advanced electron microscopes, they meticulously tracked the degradation of the cathode electrode across specific areas during the operational cycles. This novel approach offers a more accurate representation of the ageing process compared to previous studies that relied on analysing only half of the fuel cell under less realistic conditions.

"It was previously assumed that taking apart and studying the fuel cell in this way would affect its performance, but this assumption proved to be incorrect, which is quite surprising," explained Associate Professor Björn Wickman, who led the research team.

The Chalmers researchers were able to delve into the degradation of the fuel cell material at both the nano and micro levels, pinpointing exactly when and where the degradation occurs. This granular understanding offers invaluable insights for developing new and improved fuel cells with enhanced longevity.

"Previously, we could only look at the fuel cell's condition after it had already aged," said doctoral student Linnéa Strandberg. "Now, we can examine the middle stages of the process. By following a single particle within a specific area, we gained a much better understanding of the degradation processes. This knowledge is crucial for designing new materials for fuel cells or adjusting the fuel cell's control system."

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has highlighted the importance of extending fuel cell lifespan as a key goal for achieving commercial success in the hydrogen vehicle market. Currently, hydrogen-powered trucks struggle to meet the industry standard of 20,000-30,000 hours of driving over their lifespan.

"We have now laid the foundation for the development of better fuel cells," said Wickman. "We now have a more detailed understanding of the processes occurring within the fuel cell and when they occur over its lifetime. This method will be used to develop and study new materials that can extend the fuel cell's lifespan, making hydrogen vehicles a more viable and sustainable option."

This research marks a significant step forward in the development of more efficient and long-lasting hydrogen fuel cells. With a deeper understanding of the ageing process, scientists are now better equipped to engineer fuel cells that can meet the demands of the transport industry, ultimately contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.