Fuel Cells for the Future
Catalysed components for fuel cells manufactured by Johnson Matthey.
Fuel cells generate clean electricity by electrochemically combining hydrogen or other fuels (such as methanol or natural gas) and oxygen (air) to form water and heat. They are efficient, quiet and emit no particulates or other pollutants.
There are several different types of fuel cell, all based around a central design. The electricity produced can be used to power all sorts of devices from cars and buses to laptops and mobile phones. The by-product heat produced can be used in some applications, for example to provide heat for buildings or hot water. The heat energy can also be used to provide cold air for air conditioning in summer and other cooling needs.
Johnson Matthey’s Fuel Cells business is a world leader in catalysts and catalysed components for fuel cells. We have invested in this area over a number of years and during this time, fuel cell technology has evolved from research and development stages into real-life commercial applications.
Demand for our products is strong and reflects an increasing range of applications as customers start to commercialise niche fuel cell products. Direct methanol fuel cells, or DMFCs, are the first type of fuel cell to be commercially viable, providing portable power and battery recharging in applications such as recreational vehicles, fork-lift trucks and other materials’ handling equipment.
In the longer term fuel cells feature heavily in the plans of car companies for zero emission vehicles. Both Honda and General Motors are in the process of launching test fleets which will put fuel cell powered cars in the hands of US consumers, albeit under very closely supervised conditions.
At the same time, high fuel prices are increasing the popularity of hybrid cars in the US. There is now growing interest from both car companies and legislators to make zero emission hybrids by a combination of fuel cells with batteries that can be recharged from the mains. These plug-in hybrids could well become the first major automotive application of fuel cells.
Given the strong sustainability credentials for fuel cells, the technology continues to offer exciting prospects for the future. Johnson Matthey continues to commit its expertise and resources to the development of new fuel cell products. With growing demand for fuel cells for niche applications, we expect to see good sales growth in our Fuel Cells business over the next few years.
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