Altair Announces Fuel Cell Breakthrough
CODY, Wyo., Jul 17, 2001 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Altair International Inc.
(Nasdaq: ALTI) announces that using its unique, proprietary technology the
company appears to have solved the material mismatch problem for solid oxide
fuel cells (SOFC). The company can use its 20-nanometer Yttria Stabilized
Zirconia (YSZ) to form the electrolyte, and using the same process with
different thermal and chemical controls, can also make the substrates for the
anode and cathode from YSZ containing the conductors needed for both elements.
The electrolyte is a dense material permeable only to oxygen ion transfer; the
substrate materials are 50 to 55% porous.
One of the major problems with SOFC's is a mismatch between the anode and
cathode substrate material and the material in the electrolyte. After several
heating and cooling cycles the difference in thermal expansion coefficients
cause the materials to break apart destroying the fuel cell. Since all
components in the Altair Cell are made of the majority of the same material,
there is little difference in thermal expansion between the anode, the
electrolyte and the cathode. All units will have similar thermal expansion
coefficients and other properties.
Altair's objective is not to make another "Me Too" fuel cell but to use its
unique and proprietary materials to address and solve the problems associated
with solid oxide fuel cells. Other fuel cells, including proton exchange
membrane cells, experience many of the problems related to long-term performance
under operating conditions.
With recent increases in energy costs and promotion from potential fuel cell
suppliers, most investors became aware of the advantages of fuel cells. They are
efficient, clean, compact, operate quietly and can be remotely located. However,
fuel cells were discovered in 1839 and several companies including Westinghouse
have had significant fuel cell development programs for the last 50 years.
Clearly there must be problems or fuel cells would be more widely utilized. The
problems include; material mismatch between the electrodes and electrolyte
creating uncertain long term durability, expensive or fragile materials,
manufacturing difficulties, fuel processing and delicate control of chemical
reactions.
"Altair's recent break through appears to solve one of the problems; material
mismatch," said Mr. Ken Lyon, president of Altair Technologies, Inc. "Problems
related to catalyst life and reaction controls are being addressed by a parallel
research program funded by Altair at the Massachusetts institute of Technology
(MIT) under the direction of Professor Jackie Y. Ying. We believe the two
programs will soon lead to additional breakthroughs and solutions to the
remaining problems currently delaying proliferation of fuel cells."
Altair International owns a proprietary technology for making nanocrystalline
materials of unique quality, economically in large quantities. The company is
currently developing special nanomaterials with potential applications in fuel
cells, solar cells, advanced energy storage devices, thermal spray coatings,
catalysts, cosmetics, paints, semi-conductors, telecommunications and
environmental remediation. Altair holds mineral leases on a "world class"
titanium mineral sand deposit in Tennessee where the recently constructed pilot
plant is operational.
This press release may be deemed to contain certain forward-looking statements
with respect to Altair that are subject to risks and uncertainties that include,
but are not limited to, Altair's ability to obtain necessary capital,
performance and reliability of technology, market acceptance of products using
Altair technology, variance in anticipated production costs and unanticipated
effects of regulatory requirements related to the technology, as well as those
identified in the Company's press releases or discussed from time to time in the
Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Actual results may vary
materially.
News releases and other information on Altair can be accessed
at no charge at Altair's website www.altairint.com
For technical information on Altair's nanoparticle operations visit
our website www.altairtechnologies.com
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