In an interesting development in the realm of energy research, scientists from the Catalonia Institute for Energy Research (IREC) have achieved a significant breakthrough in the optimisation of direct urea fuel cells. This innovative research, led by Dr. Paulina R. Martínez-Alanis and ICREA Prof. Andreu Cabot of the Functional Nanomaterials group, sets a new precedent in the field of fuel cell technology. The research has been published in the prestigious Nano Energy journal.
The research article, titled “Self-supported NiO/CuO electrodes to boost urea oxidation in direct urea fuel cells“, presents a unique method to augment the efficiency of urea oxidation, a crucial process in direct urea fuel cells. These fuel cells have traditionally been hindered by slow reaction kinetics and energy loss. The team has engineered self-supported NiO/CuO electrodes that demonstrate remarkable performance and stability, significantly boosting the efficiency of the fuel cells.
This innovative approach has the potential to transform energy storage and conversion, paving the way for a myriad of applications. From renewable energy systems to waste management, the potential impact of this research is extensive. The newly designed electrodes exhibit impressive initial capacities and stable cycling, highlighting the promising future of this technology.
The research endeavours at IREC continuously redefine the limits of energy storage technology, propelling us towards a future that is primed for an effective energy transition.
For more information, please refer to the original article published in Nano Energy in July 2023 with DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nanoen.2023.108714. And with free access.
