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| Scientists said the new fuel cells are suitable for applications in drones and urban air mobility vehicles. Gettyimagesbank |
By Holly Chik
Researchers at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) have developed a new way to make fuel cells that can generate 40 percent more power than conventional cells of the same size, making them ideal for drones and urban aerial vehicles, they said Thursday.
Fuel cells are a clean source of electricity. They generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction of hydrogen with oxygen, creating heat and water as by-products. But they are not yet a mainstream energy source because of their high cost and limited durability, which is reduced by water generated inside them during long-term operation.
To improve a fuel cell's lifespan, the researchers said they have developed a new process to arrange the components for fuel cell operation in a 3D way, as opposed to the commonly used 2D flat structure. They found that cracks due to stretching in the electrode layer act as channels to effectively remove excess water that could degrade performance.
"We anticipate a positive impact on the fuel cell's durability due to the improved water management capabilities of the structured electrode," Professor Yoo Sung-jong, principal research scientist of the center for hydrogen-fuel cell research at KIST said.
The new fuel cell is also more efficient ― generating a higher voltage at the same current compared to conventional cells, according to Yoo.
He said the improvements could support the development of airborne transport devices, which often require sustained high-power outputs.
"By ensuring reliable power generation, improved efficiency and extended durability, the novel fuel cell technology can drive further progress in developing aerial mobility systems, including drones and urban air mobility vehicles.
"By integrating these advanced fuel cells into transportation, we can accelerate the adoption of eco-friendly transportation solutions and reduce carbon emissions, contributing to a sustainable and environmentally conscious future," he said.
He added that the team plans to collaborate with commercial partners to bring the technology to market.
He said the technology could also support the commercialization of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, which aligns with the government's green energy transition plan.
As a step to cut greenhouse gas emissions from public transport, the Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to replace all 450 diesel airport buses with hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles by 2030.
The Yoon administration has set out a plan that aims to expand hydrogen demands, establish a global supply network and realize dual fuel-based power generation of 50 percent hydrogen and 20 percent ammonia, having the required technologies ready by 2027 and being implemented the following year.
The government expected the number of hydrogen vehicles to grow from 19,000 as of 2021 to 30,000 by 2030. Hydrogen power generation is projected to account for more than 7 percent of national output by 2036, while it had only produced 767 megawatts in 2021.
"Under the support of the Korean government, it is expected that in five to 10 years, the hydrogen infrastructure will be significantly improved and more accessible to the public," Yoo said.
"This positive development will create a conducive environment for the widespread adoption of fuel cells, which can become a mainstream green energy source."
The scientist said his team will continue to advance its 3D electrode structure technology to reduce the amount of catalyst used and further improve durability, building on their findings published in the peer-reviewed journal Advanced Materials.
Holly Chik is a science reporter with the South China Morning Post. She is currently based in Seoul, reporting for both The Korea Times and the South China Morning Post under an exchange program.
