Researchers discover a potential substitute for platinum
Fuel cells represent an important component of the energy
transition, as they supply electrical energy without first having to create
heat and steam from fossil fuels. Instead, they create the energy directly from
a reaction of hydrogen and oxygen to form water. For that reason, they can
create energy more efficiently than coal-fired or gas-fired power plants.
Today’s fuel cells require, however, costly platinum as a catalyst for this
reaction, which restricts their more widespread use. A team at the Max Planck
Institute for Solid State Research in Stuttgart has been inspired by nature to
develop an alternative catalyst. It consists of organic molecules as well as
iron or manganese on a metallic substrate. These materials are less costly and
more easily available than platinum.