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Carbon nano "shell armor" makes the battery more durable
A few days ago, a significant breakthrough was made in the research on precious metal alternatives for fuel cell catalysts at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Liaoning Province. Led by Academician Baoshen, the research team recently developed an innovative approach by coating carbon nano-layers around iron-based nano-catalysts. This advancement greatly enhanced the stability and resistance to poisoning of iron-based catalysts, positioning them as a promising alternative to traditional precious metal catalysts in fuel cells.
Fuel cells have long been seen as a key technology for clean energy, but their widespread adoption has been limited by the high cost and scarcity of precious metals like platinum. The new technique from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics offers a viable solution by using abundant and low-cost iron, which is more sustainable and economically feasible. This development not only opens up new possibilities for the application of fuel cells but also brings renewed hope for their large-scale commercialization.
As we know, iron is one of the most abundant elements on Earth. However, its high reactivity makes it prone to oxidation, which can cause it to lose catalytic activity and render fuel cells ineffective. To address this challenge, the researchers at Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics developed a method where iron nanoparticles are encased in a protective shell made of carbon nanotubes. This "armor" prevents the iron from being easily oxidized while allowing the active electrons to function effectively.
The electrons on the surface of the iron atoms act like soldiers with hands, able to move freely outside the protective shell to carry out the oxygen reduction reaction—critical for fuel cell operation. This innovation enables the fuel cell to operate stably even in acidic environments, significantly improving its resistance to poisoning during real-world applications.
The findings of this study have been recognized as a major advancement by *Angewandte Chemie* (German Applied Chemistry), and were highlighted by *C&EN* (Chemical & Engineering News) of the American Chemical Society. This marks a significant step forward in the field of clean energy technologies and highlights the potential of non-precious metal catalysts in shaping the future of fuel cell technology.
(Reporter: Wu Lin; Correspondent: Liu Xiangzhu)