Toyota’s fuel cell research reaches nano-particle level

Toyota and Japan Fine Ceramics Centre have developed a real-time observation technique which they claim is a ‘breakthrough’ in the research of fuel-cell degradation.

The new technique allows researchers to monitor the behaviour of nanometre-sized particles, with a focus on reduced catalytic reactivity caused by the coarsening of platinum in the fuel stack.

Until now, this coarsening of the platinum particles could only be observed before and after the reaction. This new nano-metre technology will allow the process to be monitored in real time in an exact simulation of the environment and conditions in a fuel cell stack.

Toyota report that the intelligence gained will allow them to better understand and address issues that cause coarsening, which will help in the development of more efficient and durable fuel stacks.

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