Caffeine Boosts Fuel Cell Efficiency, Reducing Platinum Need
Researchers in Japan have found that caffeine can significantly enhance the performance of fuel cells, potentially making them more cost-effective and widely usable.
- Japanese researchers have discovered that adding caffeine to fuel cells can significantly enhance their efficiency by reducing the need for platinum, a costly component.
- The addition of caffeine to platinum electrodes in fuel cells prevents the formation of platinum hydroxide, improving the oxygen reduction reaction.
- Fuel cells, which convert chemical energy into electricity, could become more affordable and widely adopted thanks to this breakthrough.
- The effect of caffeine on fuel cell efficiency depends on the orientation of the platinum atoms on the electrode's surface.
- This discovery could lead to cheaper manufacturing and more efficient fuel cells, with potential applications in electric vehicles, datacenters, and more.
The Register 
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