Franklin Fuel Cells Inc. (FFC, Malvern, PA), a developer of solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology that can operate directly on hydrocarbon fossil fuels, biofuels, and hydrogen, announced that it has received a $100,000 grant from the US Department of Energy's (DOE) Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance (SECA). The company will use the grant to examine the stability of its cells' cathodes and look at ways to improve it if necessary; and to look at cathodes made of a different substance than the one Franklin currently uses.
Franklin is currently trying to commercialize a copper-based SOFC technology developed at the University of Pennsylvania. The technology allows readily available fuels, such as gasoline, diesel fuel, and natural gas, to be used to generate power in fuel cell systems with higher efficiency and significantly lower cost.
"We are delighted and honored that the Department of Energy recognizes the uniqueness and competitive advantages of our technology, and has selected Franklin Fuel Cells to help advance the fuel cell industry," said Franklin President and CEO John Law. "Becoming a SECA member carries a lot of weight, and is a recognition of our technology’s unique potential."
