The catalyst is a type of substance called a dithiooxamide-based metal complex. Centered around copper, which is used in oxidizing catalysts for alcohol, it breaks down ethanol and causes it to react with oxygen, producing electricity. It was designed for use in direct ethanol fuel cells.

Because the new catalyst does not use platinum, the price of which has been soaring lately, it holds the possibility of significantly reducing the cost of fuel cells.

When the researchers tested the properties of the catalyst by coating it onto a chemical reaction membrane, they found that it has an output density of 0.1 milliwatts per square centimeter. While its efficiency and output are low at present, the researchers aim to create a prototype of a high-efficiency compact fuel cell in three years by improving the catalyst, the goal being an output of 60 milliwatts per square centimeter.

The researchers chose to work with direct ethanol fuel cells because ethanol is considered safer than methanol and could help prevent global warming if made from plant matter.

(Nikkei)