We are also using nanotechnology to develop new approaches to making hydrogen fuel cells more effective. Fuel cells are considered by many to be the next revolution in vehicle powertrains. However, it is very challenging to create a durable, reliable and cost-effective fuel cell. Nanotechnology is providing tools for meeting these challenges. For example, nanotechnology is being used in the exchange membranes within fuel cells that separate protons from electrons and produce electric power. Researchers are developing strategies to design these membranes at the nanoscale, to maximize their performance while improving their durability, reliability and cost-competitiveness.
Nanotechnology is also providing important advances in storing the hydrogen needed to run fuel cells on board vehicles. Virtually all current hydrogen-powered vehicles, including Ford's fuel cell and hydrogen internal-combustion engine vehicles, use physical hydrogen storage. That is, hydrogen is stored on the vehicles in gaseous form in pressurized tanks. Due to the physical properties of hydrogen, however, these storage systems can only hold enough hydrogen for a 200-mile driving range. Most gasoline-powered vehicles have a range of 300 or more miles per tank. In addition, physical hydrogen storage takes up significantly more room than regular gas tanks. In the Ford Focus fuel cell vehicle, most of the trunk space is required to house the hydrogen storage tanks.
To address these limitations, Ford is using nanotechnology to develop solid-state, "materials-based" hydrogen storage technologies. In these systems, hydrogen is stored in a host "hydride" material through a chemical reaction and released (via the reverse reaction) by changing the pressure or temperature. Compared to pressurized tanks, the host materials can hold a greater density of hydrogen and can be "refueled" on-board the vehicle at (future) hydrogen filling stations. If we can develop more efficient, safe and convenient hydrogen storage methods, we will be one large step closer to making hydrogen vehicles – with no tailpipe emissions other than water – a reality.
