A new cost-effective polymer membrane can decrease the cost
of alkaline batteries and fuel cells by allowing the replacement of expensive
platinum catalysts without sacrificing important aspects of performance,
according to Penn State researchers.
"We have tried to break this paradigm of tradeoffs in
materials (by improving) both the stability and the conductivity of this
membrane at the same time, and that is what we were able to do with this unique
polymeric materials design," said Michael Hickner, associate professor of
materials science and engineering.