Design News - Technology Bulletin - January 17, 2000
Late developments that shape engineering=20
Laurie Ann Toupin, Associate Editor=20
Driving cars with hydrogen peroxide=20
Researchers at Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN) are
developing a new type of environmentally friendly fuel cell that
runs on chemical reactions between hydrogen peroxide and aluminum
and generates about 20 times more electricity per pound than car
batteries, claim the developers. "It has a huge amount of energy
potential," says John Rusek, an assistant professor of aeronautics
and astronautics at Purdue, who is working with students to develop
the cell. The hydrogen peroxide serves two roles: it is a
"catholyte," meaning it is both the electrolyte, a liquid that
conducts electricity and allows the reaction to occur, and also the
cathode, or the portion of the battery that attracts electrons.=20
The aluminum serves as the cell's fuel and its anode; as it
oxidizes, it gives up electrons. Waste products include water and
recyclable chemical compounds. The experimental cells do not
immediately provide a steady supply of electricity. It takes about
two hours for the cells to reach their peak electrical output
before producing a steady current flow. If perfected, such an
electricity source could one day replace conventional batteries
in many applications, including portable electronic equipment,
Rusek says. A poster paper about the research was presented in
November, 1999 during the Second International Hydrogen Peroxide
Propulsion Conference at the University. Call: (765) 494-4782 or
e-mail: rusek@ecn.purdue.edu
Copyright =A9 2000 Cahners Business Information,
A Division of Reed Elsevier, Inc.=20
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