Fuel Cells
The Process
Hydrocarbon fuels can be "reformed" to produce hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide to power fuel cells, but this process requires heat. Oxford Catalysts is the first and only company to be able to reform a fuel instantaneously, starting from room temperature, thereby providing the much-needed practical source of hydrogen gas for portable fuel cells.
The Market
Fuel cells have tremendous potential to change the face of our cities and the way we power portable electronics. They generate energy by converting fuel, usually hydrogen, into electricity, and are quiet, low-maintenance, efficient and clean.
The lack of widespread, reliable, safe, efficient and accessible sources of hydrogen gas has delayed adoption of fuel cells. However, our innovative hydrogen-on-demand technology and higher temperature fuel reforming catalysts help overcome many of these barriers, allowing hydrogen gas to be produced where it is needed, from easily transportable fuels.
The market for fuel cells is expected to reach $10s of billions over the next five to seven years, with portable fuel cells for consumer electronics accounting for some $13bn by 2013.
Fueling the Hydrogen Economy
The Benefits
Our hydrogen-on-demand technology is ideal for the portable and other mobile fuel cell sectors, because it offers:
- instantaneous hydrogen gas production at ambient temperatures
- high hydrogen density of the fuel mix
- no waste solids or toxic liquids
- simplicity, low weight and low cost
Our high-temperature fuel reforming catalysts also have advantages over existing catalysts, because they:
- are lower cost, since they don't use expensive metals
- have a longer operational life
- demonstrate greater resistance to contaminants
