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Inspired by Nature
Drawing inspiration from nature, where increases in performance are often associated with morphology changes that make better use of limited space, we sought to find ways of making better use of the limited space inherent to many fuel cell applications.
The human brain is a case in point, where folding and convolution lead to significant increases in surface area for neurons, while skull volume remained relatively static.
In like manner, we theorized that by folding up the surface area where the chemical reactions in a fuel cell occur, we could put more reactions into a given space, making the fuel cell more efficient.
Cerebral Cortex - Gray and White Matter
Proof of Concept
Using low cost hydrocarbon polymers, we have recently completed a proof of concept demonstrating the first non-planar fuel cell electrode. In so doing, we have increased reactive surface area within the standard fuel cell form factor by over 400 fold.
The large increase in active surface area has enabled us to utilized platinum more effectively, achieving higher power densities than an industry benchmark MEA, using approximately 1/6 to 1/10 the platinum of the benchmark.
We also expect membrane life improvements due to moving reaction sites away from the membrane out into the 3D electrode.
Beta Prototype Product
Our first product will be a novel catalytic polymer powder intended for use hydrogen and alcohol fuel cells, with no material alteration to extant fuel cell architectures.
We are presently seeking Beta test partners.
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