Scientists develop cheap catalyst

Scientists have developed a cheap catalyst that has the potential to be used in place of platinum fuel cells, it has been revealed.

Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) has unveiled the laboratory product news, which shows that after being dipped in polymer solution, carbon nanotubes produce the same energy output as platinum catalysts contained in fuel cells.

One of the biggest benefits CWRU has highlighted is that this could significantly reduce the cost of currently expensive fuel cells.

Where platinum costs $65,000 (£39,839) for every gram, carbon costs approximately $100 for the same amount.

Liming Dai, a professor of chemical engineering and the research team leader, describes the findings as "a breakthrough".

Meanwhile, CWRU highlights that using carbon nanotubes should prove to be a more stable method.

It could also hold a range of other benefits, the university claims, such as maintaining efficiency over time.

CWRU is a leading research university, which was founded in 1862.