Cactus Skin Could Lead to Fuel Cell Cars

Cactus Skin Could Lead to Fuel Cell Cars
May-10-16
Inspired by the cactus, researchers have created a membrane that could help make fuel cells more feasible in vehicles.

One characteristic of proton exchange membrane fuel cells is they must be kept hydrated to function. With that in mind, the team drew on the cactus’s ability to open cracks in its skin to absorb moisture at night, and retain it during the day.

The membrane created by the team wraps around the fuel cell, where it absorbs the water generated by the fuel cell’s chemical reaction. The water passes through pores in the membrane that will close in dry conditions, retaining the moisture and increasing the fuel cell’s efficiency by a factor of four.

Cactus Skin Could Lead to Fuel Cell Cars


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[GIZMAG.COM]
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