Researchers are finding ways to fine tune fuel cells to make them affordable, reliable, efficient and commercially competitive. DOE National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) researchers have discovered ways to improve the fuel cell terminal surface area of solid oxide fuel cells and found novel methods to synthesize large batches of nanotubes to increase fuel cells’ output.

A NETL supported 2011 Alkaline Membrane Fuel Cell Workshop reports significant research advances made in fuel cells such as the availability of advanced membranes and ionomers and progress in producing alkaline membrane cells that don’t require precious metals. Perhaps most encouraging is the report of the significant acceleration of interest and the amount of research in fuel cell technology. Fine tuning fuel cell technology is an exciting and growing field of scientific study. Read more from the DOE Office of Science.