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 .
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. Durability of cell membranes is a central issue in fuel cell commercialisation as it degrades chemically and mechanically, reducing its lifespan. "The possibility of employing self-healing polymeric materials that can heal cracks and pinholes 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.