Platinum meets its match in quantum dots from coal: New catalyst for fuel cells outperforms platinum
Wednesday, October 1, 2014 - 23:02
in Physics & Chemistry
Scientists combined graphene quantum dots drawn from common coal with graphene oxide, nitrogen and boron into a catalyst for fuel cells that outperforms platinum. Graphene quantum dots grab onto graphene platelets like barnacles attach themselves to the hull of a boat. But these dots enhance the properties of the mothership, making them better than platinum catalysts for certain reactions within fuel cells.