In these fuel cells, the catalyst drives the reforming process whereby hydrogen is generated from kerosene and water in a heated reaction chamber.

Idemitsu's new catalyst can operate for 40,000 continuous hours, which is five times as long as existing catalysts and equal in duration to the lifetime of the fuel cell itself.

Existing catalysts have short life spans, which hinder the practical application of kerosene fuel cells. Idemitsu's new catalyst solves this problem and promises to reduce hydrogen production costs because less of the catalyst is needed to get the job done. In addition, it will allow the fuel cell to be designed smaller.

The new catalyst comprises tiny spheres measuring 3mm in diameter. The spheres consist of alumina with a surface coating of ruthenium and a proprietary additive that speeds up the dissociation of water. Hydrocarbon molecules generated from the dissociation of the kerosene react with the water to release hydrogen. Thus, faster dissociation of water speeds this process and prevents the hydrocarbon molecules from clumping together and attaching to the catalyst. It is this phenomenon that reduces the functionality of the catalyst and shortens its service life.

Idemitsu plans to improve the catalyst even further with the goal of conducting verification experiments next fiscal year.