Journal 8 October 18

http://www.physorg.com/news175092210.html

Chemists have recently discovered a way to make cheaper, more efficient fuel cells. They have found a way to create energy at higher temperatures, allowing different (and cheaper) metals to be used to do this. Platinum is currently used, which is very expensive, and different metals could reduce the overall cost of the fuel cells. Reactions occurring at higher temperatures will also happen significantly faster, increasing the rate at which the fuel cell creates energy, making it more efficient. So overall, we get a better, faster, and cheaper fuel cell. This is quite obviously a good thing, since energy is an incredibly valuable resource, and anything that will make it cheaper and more efficient should be embraced. The technology may not be ready to implement as soon as some people would like, but eventually this newer technology could be used to power vehicles, heat buildings, or be used in backup power supplies in case of emergencies. Creating alternate energy sources for vehicles is a great idea, as it would reduce pollution from combustion of fossil fuels. It also may add extra cost on to the vehicle to use fuel cells for power, but the driver wouldn't have to constantly buy gas for their car, so it would reduce the upkeep cost. Having more efficient means of power to use in emergency situations is great, as well, for obvious reasons. This article describes other advances in fuel cell research, overcoming problems with humidity, as water is necessary to make the fuel cells work. With this research going on as well, fuel cells are being improved greatly so that they work more efficiently, in more climates, and for cheaper costs. The Department of Energy gave the chemical engineers $1.5 million to advance the research, so it is definitely something that is being looked into as a major alternate energy source.