Tanaka's fuel cell catalysts to be used by Honda

Platinum electrode catalysts for fuel cells, manufactured by precious metals trader Tanaka Kikinzoku Kogyo, are being used by Honda Motor in its Clarity Fuel Cell hydrogen-powered vehicle.

Tanaka Kikinzoku Kogyo has spent many years developing electrode catalysts, an important component affecting the electrical generation capability of fuel cell stacks. A fuel cell stack is an electric generator that generates electricity by using the chemical reaction of hydrogen with oxygen found in air.

Compared to residential-use fuel cells, there is high fluctuation in the load of fuel cell stacks used in fuel cell vehicles. This led Honda Motor to adopt the new electrode catalyst, which is said to be of even higher capability and durability than Tanaka’s past products.

Honda will use the material in its compact fuel cell stack for the hydrogen-powered Clarity Fuel Cell — the first of three vehicles debuting in the Clarity family. Upcoming models will include dedicated electric and plug-in hybrid versions.

Image caption: Fuel cell electrode catalysts manufactured by Tanaka Kikinzoku Kogyo.