Researchers at the University of Delaware 's Department of Mechanical Engineering have developed a self - healing fuel cell membrane incorporating microcapsules filled with a Nafion solution . Paper documents self-healing membrane for fuel cell applications (2017, March 27) retrieved 14 April 2020 from https://phys.org/news/2017-03-paper-documents-self-healing-membrane-fuel.html The capsules are designed to rupture when they encounter defects in the membrane , healing the faults . Safety of cell membranes is a central issue in fuel cell commercialisation as it degrades chemically and mechanically , reducing its lifespan . " The possibility of developing self - healing polymeric materials that can heal defects and remain in place is an exciting prospect for extending the working life and safety of such systems while also reducing the life - cycle cost , " said researcher Suresh Advani .
Researchers at the University of Delaware 's Department of Mechanical Engineering have developed a self - healing fuel cell membrane incorporating microcapsules filled with a Nafion solution . The capsules are designed to rupture when they encounter defects in the membrane , healing the faults . Safety of cell membranes is a central issue in fuel cell commercialisation as it degrades chemically and mechanically , reducing its lifespan . " The possibility of developing self - healing polymeric materials that can heal defects and remain in place is an exciting prospect for extending the working life and safety of such systems while also reducing the life - cycle cost , " said researcher Suresh Advani .