Platinum decomposition technology makes fuel cells more cost effective

Researchers at the Canadian Light Sources Center (CLS) have made a breakthrough in fuel cell technology by using synchrotron radiation to break down expensive platinum metals into nanoparticles or even single atoms. This innovation could significantly reduce the cost of fuel cells, making them more accessible for widespread use.

In a collaborative effort with McMaster University, CLS Synchrotron, and Ballard Power Systems, scientists have developed a novel technique called atomic layer deposition (ALD). This advanced surface engineering method allows for the precise creation of monoatomic catalysts—materials where each atom acts as a catalyst. The findings, led by researchers Sun Xueliang and Yanjun Jiang from the University of Western Ontario in Canada, were recently published in the online edition of *Nature*.

Traditionally, platinum is used as a catalyst in fuel cells, but only the surface atoms are active. The rest remain unused, resulting in an efficiency rate of just 10% to 20%. By breaking down platinum into smaller particles, researchers can maximize the number of active atoms, thereby improving the overall performance and cost-effectiveness of the fuel cells.

Synchrotron radiation and ultra-high-resolution transmission electron microscopy played a crucial role in analyzing the behavior of platinum at the atomic level. These tools helped scientists understand how to disperse platinum as finely as possible, maximizing its surface area and catalytic activity.

Jeff Cutler, head of the industry science department at CLS, emphasized that the results were validated through hard X-ray microanalysis (HXMA) at the facility. He noted that the CLS synchrotron is one of the world's top facilities for nanomaterial research, and when combined with the expertise of companies like Ballard Power Systems, it paves the way for the next generation of fuel cell technology.

Yan Siyu, a senior research scientist at Ballard Power Systems, added that improving the efficiency of platinum usage could make fuel cells more affordable and scalable. This advancement has the potential to greatly expand the commercial viability of fuel cell technology, supporting the global shift toward cleaner energy solutions.

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