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Article: Iron membrane thrives at high temperatures.(Fuel Cells)
- Article from:
- USA TODAY
- Article date:
- June 1, 2008
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2008 Society for the Advancement of Education. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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A new type of membrane based on tiny iron particles appears to address one of the major limitations exhibited by current power-generating fuel cell technology. While there are many types of fuel cells, in general, they generate electricity as the result of chemical reactions between an external fuel--most commonly hydrogen--and an agent that reacts with it. The membrane that separates the two parts of the cell and facilitates the reaction is a key factor in determining the efficiency of the cell.
Fuel cells commonly are used in such settings as satellites, submarines, or remote weather stations because they have no moving parts, do not require combustion, and can ...