Japanese researchers advance silicon carbide and fuel cell catalyst technologies

Researchers in Japan have achieved significant breakthroughs in materials science aimed at improving energy and industrial applications.

At Tohoku University’s Institute for Materials Research, scientists developed a method to produce crystalline nanoporous silicon carbide at 800°C using liquid metal dealloying. By immersing a Mn5SiC precursor in molten bismuth, the manganese selectively dissolves, leaving behind a silicon-carbon skeleton. This technique significantly lowers the high temperatures traditionally required to manufacture these heat-resistant and chemically stable ceramics.

Separately, researchers at Nagoya University have enhanced the durability of fuel cell catalysts. By enclosing platinum nanoparticles in nitrogen-enriched graphene and depositing them on carbon nanotubes, the team created a catalyst that retained 96.9% of its active surface area after 30,000 durability cycles. This advancement could reduce the reliance on expensive platinum and extend the lifespan of hydrogen fuel cells used in clean energy applications.