Made from a hydrocarbon material, the new electrolyte membrane can operate at temperatures between minus 20 C and 95 C. According to JSR, it is the first electrolyte membrane for fuel cells that can handle freezing temperatures.

The electrolyte membrane, the core component of a fuel cell, is where oxygen and hydrogen react to yield electrons. The ability to withstand freezing temperatures makes fuels cells a suitable power source for vehicles in harsh environments.

Conventional electrolyte membranes made from fluorine-based compounds can only operate within the range of 0 to 80 C. In addition, they cannot withstand external collisions as well as a hydrocarbon-based structure.

JSR said its new electrolyte membrane is already being used in a fuel-cell-powered car commercialized by Honda Motor Co..

The firm said it is rushing to develop a mass production system. It added that it has also developed an electrolyte membrane for the direct-methanol fuel cells being designed for portable digital devices such as notebooks and cellular phones.