ORNL microscopy captures real-time view of evolving fuel cell catalysts | ORNL

OAK RIDGE, Tenn., Nov. 19, 2015—Atomic-level imaging of catalysts by scientists at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory could help manufacturers lower the cost and improve the performance of emission-free fuel cell technologies.

Fuel cells rely on costly platinum catalysts to enable the reactions that convert chemical energy into electricity. Alloying platinum with noble metals such as cobalt reduces the overall cost, but such alloyed catalysts vary in performance based on their atomic structure and processing history.

ORNL microscopy captures real-time view of evolving fuel cell catalysts | ORNL