from Hacker News

Low-Cost Nickel Based Catalyst for Hydrogen Fuel Cells

by tnash on 1/17/16, 8:17 PM with 19 comments

  • by BuckRogers on 1/17/16, 10:55 PM

    While this is interesting, it doesn't change my opinion that the future is electric, not hydrogen fuel cell. Not only for the way hydrogen is extracted but the complexity of the technology. These set of blogs[0] are by a non-expert, but explain well why it's actually more complex than the ICE and inferior to electric. Highly recommended reading for laymen like myself who want a view at the technology from a common sense standpoint.

    My personal view outside of the needless complexity and lack of fueling stations, is that it's conveniently a way to ensure automakers keep us reliant on their expertise to repair and build these vehicles. Rather than the mechanical simplicity thus commodities that electrics are becoming.

    As well, having China onboard with electrics ensures its future. It's mainly the Japanese and some US companies that want to push HFC. If electrics win out (and they more than likely will), everyone (including Apple) will be selling cars because it'll be mostly a software game.

    I'm very much looking forward to the Tesla Model 3 reveal and putting down my preorder. Strangely enough it feels like this is going to be one of those breakthrough products for me. Alongside my Commodore did in 1986, 3dfx Voodoo card did in 1996, and the upcoming SteamVR (HTC Vive).

    Great time to be alive.

    [0]http://ssj3gohan.tweakblogs.net/blog/11470/why-fuel-cell-car...

  • by godzillabrennus on 1/17/16, 9:03 PM

    How is this not on the front page? If we have a low cost catalyst then Hydrogen Fuel cells become affordable and are well placed to disrupt how the world thinks about energy. This is an exciting time to be alive!

  • by ChuckMcM on 1/17/16, 11:45 PM

    I wonder if these new nanocatalysts are having an impact in organic chemistry in general. Anyone know?

  • by sandstrom on 1/17/16, 9:53 PM

    The biggest issue with fuel-cells is it will prolong the rein of hydrocarbon [natural gas], from which ~95% of hydrogen is extracted. Which everyone now knows is both dangerous and unsustainable.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_production