University Licenses Carbon Nanotube Technology for Fuel Cells

Carbon nanotube illustration (National Science Foundation)

Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee has commercialized research on nanomaterials by one of its engineering professors to a company making components for hydrogen fuel cells. Bing Energy Inc., a manufacturer of fuel cell components in Chino, California, has entered into an agreement with FSU that gives it exclusive use of Zheng’s patented technology.

Jim Zheng, a professor of electrical and computer engineering and a researcher at FSU’s Center for Advanced Power Systems, works with a material known as carbon nanotubes and has designed a membrane that could reduce the need for expensive platinum components in hydrogen fuel cells. Carbon nanotubes are extraordinarily light and easily conducts heat or electricity.

In the announcement of the agreement, Zheng notes that “Current hydrogen fuel cells use a platinum catalyst, making them too expensive to even consider producing on a large scale. However, by using carbon nanotube membranes, which are highly conductive and with unique properties, it might be possible to reduce the amount of platinum that is required.” Zheng adds that “Since the membrane is thinner and lighter than current components, the fuel cell can be smaller and yet still provide the same amount of power.”

Bing Energy Inc. is a manufacturer of components for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. Under the agreement, Zheng’s team at FSU will develop several prototypes of fuel cells employing the carbon nanotube membranes. Bing Energy representatives will then evaluate the membranes to gauge their effectiveness and potential for mass production.