Platinum is currently the only known catalyst used to efficiently generate hydrogen energy, but global stocks are not high enough to make widespread implementation viable.

Metallic nanopowder manufacturer QuantumSphere is joining with Robert Dopp of Doppstein Industries to test a line of nano-catalysts.

The joint effort by QuantumSphere and Dopp is aimed at electrochemically demonstrating that nano-materials can be used to replace platinum.

QuantumSphere, the foremost producer of nano-nickel in the world, claims the replacement of platinum catalysts with nano-nickel would result in a cost reduction of 75% for fuel cells and electrode catalysts.

Dopp has developed a cathode manufacturing process designed to create small “coupons” of highly uniform, active and reproducible gas diffusion electrodes. This process will be integrated with QuantumSphere techniques to fine-tune particle size distribution and composition for maximum performance.

“We are extremely pleased to work with Robert Dopp who is an industry veteran in the fuel cell, battery and related industries,” said QuantumSphere chief executive officer Kevin Maloney.

“During his three decades of batter research and development he has designed several production air cathode machines, making the highest rate air cathode in the world. He has helped to develop a consumer battery with over four times the energy density of alkaline cylindrical cells, and many tens of times higher energy than many rechargeable batteries.”

“QuantumSphere is one of the leaders in the race to develop catalysts that do not contain platinum. To achieve this goal, they have developed a line of pure nickel, copper, silver and other metallic particles,” said Dopp.

“Their unique process also allows for the production of nano-sized catalysts utilising the active cobalt nickel oxides and chelated cobalt cyclic-porphyrins. This development is not only exciting – but what they are doing is vital.”