Graphene with ripples could help make better hydrogen fuel cells


rippled graphene with dissociated hydrogen atoms on top

Illustration of nanoripples in sheets of graphene, which make it react effectively with hydrogen (proven in yellow)

Pengzhan

Graphene can break up hydrogen 100 instances higher than any recognized chemical catalyst because of tiny ripples on its floor. It may doubtlessly be used to develop more practical hydrogen gasoline cells and make many industrial processes extra environment friendly.

A one-atom-thick layer of carbon, graphene is actually a slice of graphite. The latter is a particularly unreactive compound due to its sturdy carbon bonds.

Nonetheless, Andre Geim on the College of Manchester, UK, and …