FuelCellsWorks

A robust catalyst that produces hydrogen from ammonia-boranes with high efficiency under atmospheric conditions has been developed by Spanish scientists. 

The search for new energy sources to substitute depleting fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions is a high priority. One of the best pollution-free alternatives to coal and oil is hydrogen However; a different and very important concern arises with using hydrogen: safety. 

Incorporating hydrogen into chemical compounds, such as ammonia-borane (NH₃BH₃), that can store and release it in a controlled manner could be a way of overcoming safety issues. Catalysts based on metals including titanium, ruthenium or rhodium can efficiently release up to one equivalent of hydrogen gas, but it must be carried out under an inert atmosphere. 

Now Maria Angeles Garralda and her team at University of Pais Vasco in Spain have demonstrated the first homogenous catalysis reaction using an iridium catalyst for hydrolysing ammonia-boranes, which produces up to three equivalents of hydrogen in a very efficient reaction. As well as being more efficient than previous systems, the iridium catalyst has the added advantage that it is stable in water and air, so does not require an inert atmosphere. 

‘The fact that this system was not active under anhydrous conditions and was, however, extremely efficient and stable in the presence of water was very surprising,’ says Maria Angeles Garralda. ‘The great stability in the presence of air and water and the great activity of this homogeneous catalyst will help to understand the mechanisms of hydrogen production’. 

The understanding of the mechanism of this type of reactions is vital for the future development of more efficient and cheaper catalysts to generate hydrogen in fuel cells.

‘This homogenous catalytic system suggests that finer control over rate and product distribution might be possible in the future,’ points out Andrew Weller, an expert on organometallic chemistry and catalysis at University of Oxford, UK. ‘Ultimately, energy efficient re-hydrogenation strategies and cheaper, long-lived, immobilised catalysts are key targets; and research such as presented here suggests new avenues by which the latter of these goals might be achieved.’ 

Lorena Tomas Laudo

Mutually exclusive agreement targets North American forklift truck market

LATHAM, NY and VANCOUVER – Plug Power Inc. (NASDAQ: PLUG), a leader in providing clean, reliable energy solutions, and Ballard Power Systems Inc. (TSX: BLD; NASDAQ: BLDP) announced today that the two companies have extended their existing supply agreement, effective immediately, through 2014. Ballard will remain the exclusive supplier of fuel cell stacks for Plug Power’s full suite of GenDrive(TM) power units. In addition, Plug Power will become the exclusive systems integrator for Ballard’s fuel cell stack into solutions addressing the material handling market in North America. The previous agreement was due to expire December 31, 2010.

With over 85% market share in the material handling space, this agreement will allow Plug Power and Ballard continued leadership as the pre-eminent providers of fuel cell energy products in this industry. This agreement will also help solidify the two company’s joint corporate commitment to revolutionize the material handling market with highly productive, clean energy technology.

Ballard has been the exclusive fuel cell stack supplier for Plug Power’s GenDrive product line since 2008. GenDrive is a superior power alternative to lead-acid batteries in electric material handling vehicles. Using GenDrive, customers in grocery, retail, warehousing and manufacturing facilities can increase productivity, lower operational costs and decrease greenhouse gas emissions within their operations.

Understanding the value provided by GenDrive, leading material handling organizations have implemented this sustainable power solution in their operations. These customers include Walmart Canada, United Natural Foods, Inc., Sysco Houston, FedEx Freight, Wegmans, and Whole Foods.

“Ballard and Plug Power’s technology has been integrated, tested and improved over the lifetime of the GenDrive product to become the world’s most reliable fuel cell power solution for the material handling industry,” said Andy Marsh, CEO at Plug Power. “This mutual exclusivity positions Ballard and Plug Power as the industry leaders committed to driving commercial activity and growth.”

John Sheridan, Ballard’s President and CEO, added “We are pleased to extend this supply agreement with Plug Power for Ballard’s FCvelocity(R) fuel cell stacks. Our partnership will enable penetration and growth of fuel cell solutions in the North American material handling market, by delivering meaningful productivity gains and a strong value proposition to customers.”

About Plug Power Inc.

The architects of modern fuel cell technology, Plug Power revolutionized the industry with cost-effective power solutions that increase productivity, lower operating costs and reduce carbon footprints. Long-standing relationships with industry leaders forged the path for our key accounts, including Walmart, Sysco, Wegmans, Whole Foods, and FedEx Freight. With more than 1,000 units in the field and over 1.5 million hours of runtime, Plug Power manufactures tomorrow’s incumbent power solutions today. Visit us at www.plugpower.com.