- New PEM fuel cell has four times the power of conventional designs.
- Novel material interface enables more efficient proton transport, solving a traditional challenge.
- Technology holds significant implications for aerospace systems, aligning with energy demands.
- China's hydrogen energy industry is expanding, but cost-effectiveness challenges remain.
A team of Chinese scientists has developed a new proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell with an output power four times that of conventional designs. This advancement could enhance the practicality of hydrogen energy systems in automotive and aerospace applications. The technology addresses a major challenge in hydrogen fuel cells: the speed at which protons travel through the catalyst layer responsible for generating electricity. Researchers have designed a new material interface to facilitate more efficient proton transport within the cell. Li Jie, an assistant professor at Beijing Institute of Technology, stated that this new technology allows "the power stack of fuel cell vehicles to become smaller, lighter, and the vehicle can achieve stronger sustained output and a longer driving range."
PEM fuel cells typically operate in the range of 60 to 80 degrees Celsius and convert about 50% to 60% of the stored energy in hydrogen into electricity. Inside the cell, hydrogen molecules release electrons and protons at the anode. The protons travel through the electrolyte membrane while the electrons flow through an external circuit to generate electricity. At the cathode, protons, electrons, and oxygen combine to form water. The catalyst layer has long posed a challenge. Materials like Nafion can densely surround the catalyst at the nanoscale, hindering the rapid transport of protons to reaction sites.
New Material Interface Enhances Proton Transport
The team at Beijing Institute of Technology developed a Brønsted acid–Lewis base interface, providing additional proton transfer sites. Experimental results showed a tenfold increase in proton diffusion and a 6.5-fold increase in proton conductivity. The activation energy was reduced by more than half.
Fourfold Power In standard operating conditions, this new fuel cell achieves a power output of 0.75 watts per square centimeter at 0.7 volts, approximately four times that of conventional designs. The system demonstrates a power output of 6.9 kilowatts per gram of platinum, a crucial metric given the high cost of platinum as a fuel cell catalyst. After 30,000 accelerated stress test cycles, the new system retained 63% of its initial peak power, while conventional systems retained only 30% under the same conditions. The researchers noted that this composite material can be produced on a practical scale.
"In the lab, they can currently produce about 100 grams in three days, which is enough to support 10 100-kilowatt-class stacks," Li Jie said.
Technology's Application in Aerospace
Beyond Road Transport The technology may have advantages in applications where weight, space constraints, and power density are critical considerations. The researchers emphasized its significance for aerospace systems utilizing liquid oxygen, as efficient proton transport can significantly impact the overall performance of fuel cells. "Our technology solves the problem of how to generate electricity with higher efficiency and higher power density within a smaller stack volume. This aligns with the needs of aerospace energy systems," Li Jie stated. This advancement coincides with the expansion of China's hydrogen energy industry. By the end of 2025, China's hydrogen production capacity will exceed 51 million tons annually.
China also accounts for 53% of renewable hydrogen projects utilizing electrolysis of water.
Scaling Up Remains the Next Challenge By the end of 2025, the number of fuel cell vehicles in China is expected to be around 32,000. In March 2026, three central government departments set a target of reaching 100,000 fuel cell vehicles by 2030 and pushing the price of hydrogen down to RMB¥25 (approximately HK$28) per kilogram. This new technology still needs to prove it can be produced on an industrial scale in a cost-effective manner while maintaining long-term safety and reliability. "Fuel cell vehicles do not need to imitate battery electric vehicles."
Battery electric vehicles are suitable for short-distance travel, while fuel cells are more appropriate for heavy trucks, long-distance transportation, and situations requiring quick refueling and long range," Li Jie said. "Next, the team will build and test high-performance fuel cell stacks for different scenarios. We will also expand related materials and technologies and translate them into practical products." The team's research findings have been published in the journal Science.
Item Specification Output Power 0.75 watts per square centimeter Power per gram of Platinum 6.9 kilowatts Proton Diffusion Increase Tenfold Proton Conductivity Increase 6.5 times Initial Peak Power Retention Rate 63%
The Potential Impact of the New Hydrogen Fuel Cell
The breakthrough in this new hydrogen fuel cell technology demonstrates its potential in enhancing power and efficiency, particularly significant in the automotive and aerospace sectors. As China's hydrogen energy industry rapidly expands, the successful application of this technology will aid in the popularization of hydrogen fuel vehicles and could potentially transform energy usage in heavy transport. However, achieving industrial-scale production and maintaining cost-effectiveness remain key challenges for future development.