Aug. 1, 2013 -- The U.S. Department of Energy recently announced a $4.5 million investment in two projects—led by Colorado School of Mines and Minnesota-based 3M—to lower the cost, improve the durability, and increase the efficiency of next-generation fuel cell systems.
Colorado School of Mines will receive $1.5 million to develop advanced hybrid membranes for cutting edge, next-generation fuel cells that are simpler and more affordable and able to operate at higher temperatures. Andrew Herring, associate professor of chemical and biological engineering, is leading the project at Mines.
3M will receive $3 million to focus on developing innovative fuel cell membranes with improved durability and performance using processes which are easily scalable to commercial size.
"Fuel cell technologies have an important role to play in diversifying America's transportation sector, reducing our dependence on foreign oil, and curbing harmful carbon pollution," said Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy David Danielson. "By partnering with private industry and universities, we can help advance affordable fuel cell technologies that save consumers money and give drivers more options while creating jobs in this growing global industry."
For more information, see the Department of Energy website.