MAROKO133 Update ai: US scientists could make clean energy more affordable with new platin

📌 MAROKO133 Breaking ai: US scientists could make clean energy more affordable wit

Fuel cells powered by hydrogen are widely seen as a clean alternative to fossil fuels, but their high cost has limited their use. A key reason for this expense is the reliance on rare and costly metals like platinum, which are essential in traditional fuel cell designs. Now, scientists have developed a new approach that removes the need for platinum altogether, potentially making fuel cells far more affordable.

In conventional fuel cells, chemical reactions take place in highly acidic conditions. These reactions are responsible for converting hydrogen into electricity. However, only a few metals—mainly platinum—can perform efficiently in such environments without breaking down. This durability comes at a high price, making large-scale deployment difficult.

To reduce costs, researchers from Cornell University have been exploring fuel cells that operate in alkaline conditions instead of acidic ones. In these milder environments, more common and inexpensive metals like nickel can be used. While this idea is promising, it has faced a major obstacle: slower reaction speeds, which reduce overall performance.

Breakthrough centers on a specially designed catalyst

The latest breakthrough centers on a specially designed catalyst made from nickel covered by a very thin layer of carbon. This coating plays a crucial role. While nickel alone tends to degrade quickly, the carbon layer protects it from damage while still allowing the necessary reactions to occur.

The coating is extremely thin—only a few atoms thick—so it does not block the flow of electrons. Instead, it acts as a protective shield, keeping the nickel stable and functional over time. This clever design allows the fuel cell to maintain efficiency without relying on expensive materials.

Tests have shown that this new catalyst can deliver impressive results. When combined with another low-cost material for the complementary reaction in the fuel cell, the system achieved high power output levels. In fact, its performance exceeded key targets set for next-generation fuel cells.

Affordable materials can match traditional platinum-based systems

This is an important step forward because it proves that affordable materials can match, or even outperform, traditional platinum-based systems.

Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the work analyzed the state of Ni catalysts using scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy, together with in situ high energy resolution fluorescence detected X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The results revealed that a metallic Ni surface is crucial for effectively catalyzing the HOR, and that the formation of α-Ni(OH)2 at potentials positive of +0.3 V vs. RHE leads to deactivation of the catalyst

“An alkaline medium allows you to use nonprecious metals—nickel, iron, cobalt, manganese—which are 500 to 1,000 times less expensive than precious metals like platinum and palladium, so that the cost issue becomes irrelevant,” said Héctor D. Abruña, the Émile M. Chamot Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology in the College of Arts and Sciences.

“But it means you have to develop catalysts that can operate in alkaline media, have high performance and exhibit long-term durability during operation.”

The development of platinum-free fuel cells could have a wide range of benefits. Lower costs could make hydrogen-powered vehicles more accessible and help expand clean energy solutions in remote or developing regions. It also reduces dependence on scarce resources, making the technology more sustainable in the long run.

This innovation highlights how smart material design can overcome long-standing challenges in energy technology. By combining durability, efficiency, and low cost, the new approach brings fuel cells closer to everyday use.

As further improvements are made, platinum-free fuel cells could play a major role in building a cleaner and more affordable energy future.

🔗 Sumber: interestingengineering.com

📌 MAROKO133 Breaking ai: New Guardian drone pairs Starlink, robotic battery swaps,

BRINC has unveiled Guardian, a next-generation drone designed to transform emergency response across the United States. The Seattle-based company positions it as the most capable 911 response drone yet, combining advanced autonomy, long-range performance, and satellite connectivity.

The system marks the first time a public safety drone integrates Starlink, enabling reliable communication even in areas without cellular coverage.

Guardian forms part of a broader system that includes Guardian Station, a robotic base that automates battery swaps and redeployment. Together, they aim to eliminate downtime and enable continuous operations for first responders.

Always-on drone response

Guardian addresses one of the biggest limitations in Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs: downtime between missions. Traditional systems often require at least 25 minutes to recharge.

Guardian Station removes that delay by swapping batteries automatically and relaunching the drone within minutes.

The system also adapts to emergencies in real time. It can load mission-specific payloads such as defibrillators, flotation devices, or Narcan before deployment. This flexibility allows agencies to respond faster and deliver aid even before crews arrive.

Blake Resnick, Founder and CEO of BRINC, said the platform reflects years of development.

“Drone as First Responder operations have been limited by camera capabilities, connectivity and contact charging. Guardian changes the paradigm, supporting true 24/7 operations and enabling advanced operations like vehicle pursuits.”

“This is the drone I’ve wanted to build for a decade, and I’m proud of the entire BRINC team for materializing it.”

Guardian significantly expands operational reach. It can respond to incidents up to eight miles away, more than doubling the range of many current systems. The drone also delivers up to 62 minutes of flight time and features IP55-rated weather resistance.

A built-in Starlink satellite panel ensures connectivity in remote or disaster-hit areas. This allows the drone to maintain a stable data link even when traditional infrastructure fails, a critical advantage during emergencies.

The drone’s imaging system also sets a new benchmark. It includes a 4K camera with 640x total zoom, capable of capturing clear visuals from over 1,000 feet.

Dual HD thermal zoom cameras improve visibility in low-light or obstructed conditions. A 1,000-lumen spotlight, laser rangefinder, and a loudspeaker system enhance coordination on the ground.

Integrated public safety system

BRINC has aligned Guardian with existing public safety workflows through its partnership with Motorola Solutions.

The collaboration integrates drone operations into CommandCentral Aware, allowing dispatchers to deploy drones directly from command centers.

Assist AI within the platform can detect keywords in 911 calls, helping operators decide when to send a drone. Officers can also trigger deployment using the emergency button on APX NEXT radios.

Jeremiah Nelson, Corporate Vice President at Motorola Solutions, highlighted the benefits of this integration.

“Motorola Solutions is excited to enable the next generation of DFR programs through our strategic alliance with BRINC by connecting their drones to public safety agencies’ central nervous systems—their command centers.”

“Agencies can get eyes on the scene faster, deliver lifesaving support before first responders arrive, and securely capture and store drone footage in our integrated digital evidence management software.”

BRINC will manufacture Guardian in the United States, supported by a new Seattle facility that doubles its production capacity.

The company says its vertically integrated supply chain will support scaling while maintaining domestic production.

🔗 Sumber: interestingengineering.com