Brookhaven chemist awarded for his work in hydrogen fuel cells

Brookhaven chemist awarded for his work in hydrogen fuel cells

May 7, 2012 0 By John Max

Radoslav Adzic dubbed Inventor of the Year

Brookhaven National Laboratory senior chemist Radoslav Adzic has been honored with the 2012 Inventor of the Year Award from the New York Intellectual Property Law Association. Adzic has worked extensively with nanocatalysts that are used with hydrogen fuel cells. These catalysts are meant to use the smallest amount of platinum necessary to function. Because these catalysts use so little platinum, they can help lower the cost of fuel cell manufacture, making the energy systems more appealing to a wider audience.

Fuel cell cost continues to be a problematic issue

Hydrogen fuel cells may be powerful systems, but they are often subjected to criticism because of their expensive manufacture. The cost of fuel cell production has stopped the energy systems from reaching mainstream acceptance. It is rare for the typical consumers to be able to afford fuel cells and businesses are less likely to adopt hydrogen fuel as opposed to other forms of energy that are more cost effective. Because of hydrogen’s promising fuel potential, scientists have long labored to make fuel cells more viable in terms of finances and efficiency.

Electrocatalysts could help reduce cost without sacrificing performance

Adzic has been recognized for his extensive work in making fuel cells more inexpensive and efficient. His work in developing an electrocatalyst, which is more effective than conventional platinum catalysts, was highlighted as a major accomplishment in the fuel cell industry. The electrocatalyst is considered to be a scientific remedy for the commercial roadblocks keeping hydrogen fuel cells from widespread adoption and incorporation. These catalysts are designed to provide the benefits of platinum without the needs for large amounts of the material.

Much work remains to be done in order to make fuel cells viable

Fuel cell research has been a long and arduous process. The support for hydrogen fuel has waned in previous years but the energy is experiencing a revival thanks to support from the federal government and private investors. A great deal of work remains to be done if hydrogen fuel cells are meant to become the viable energy systems many expect them to be. Cost is likely to remain a prominent issue for some time.

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