WashU Develops Fuel Cell Technology to Reduce Data Center Energy Consumption
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis, led by Professor Gang Wu, have developed a new fuel cell technology aimed at reducing the energy consumption of data centers. The study, published in Nature Nanotechnology, introduces a low-temperature fuel cell that can convert hydrogen and other fuels into electricity, potentially alleviating the burden on the energy grid. The technology utilizes platinum cobalt intermetallic nanoparticles supported by porous carbon spheres, enhancing both activity and stability. This innovation could significantly impact the energy efficiency of data centers, which are projected to consume up to 9% of U.S. electricity by 2030.