MM: A Fuel Cell Vehicle Skin Inspired By A Cactus

In this episode, researchers developed a membrane that includes tiny cracks — like the skin of a cactus — that widen during times of humidity and close in arid environments to keep the cells hydrated.

May 5th, 2016

In this episode, researchers developed a membrane that includes tiny cracks — like the skin of a cactus — that widen during times of humidity and close in arid environments to keep the cells hydrated. Learn about how it works here:

SO, WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Could this membrane help hydrogen fuel cells gain wider acceptance? What other industries could be helped by similar water-saving technology?

Email us or leave your comments below.

Today in Manufacturing Podcast

Today in Manufacturing Podcast

Today in Manufacturing has a new podcast brought to you by the editors of Industrial Media. In each episode, we discuss the five biggest stories in manufacturing, and the implications they have on the industry moving forward.

Old Faithful erupts at Yellowstone National Park, Wyo., May 18, 2020.

National Parks to Offer Look into Green-Friendly Transit

The multimillion-dollar pilot programs could include self-driving shuttles and electrified transportation.

President Joe Biden waits to speak during a visit to the NH 175 bridge over the Pemigewasset River to promote infrastructure spending Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, in Woodstock, N.H.

Biden Pushes Electric Vehicle Chargers as Energy Costs Spike

The new infrastructure law features $7.5 billion for electric vehicle chargers.

Rafi Group Industriesegmente Kaessbohrer Pistenbully

Customizable HMIs Offer Optimized Performance

As technology continues to progress and take over more functions from human operators, intuitive and safe operation becomes more important.

Canoo pickup truck.

Electric Vehicle Maker to Move Headquarters

The company hopes to make the area a “center of electric vehicle research, development and manufacturing power.”

A Tesla charges at a station in Topeka, Kan., April 5, 2021. President Joe Biden and Democrats in Congress are looking to give U.S. automakers with union employees the inside track when it comes to winning the burgeoning electric vehicle market.

Biden Bill Includes Boost for Union-Made Electric Vehicles

The bill would provide a $7,500 tax credit for consumers who purchase electric vehicles through 2026.

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Ford, Purdue Aim to Speed Up EV Charging

If successful, it would deliver significantly more power than the current technology used to re-charge electric vehicles.

Cars and trucks move on a highway toward Frankfurt, Germany, Nov. 5, 2021.

Countries, Automakers Agree to Sell Only Zero-Emission Vehicles

But several major car markets — notably the U.S. and China — did not sign on.

Tesla and SpaceX Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk speaks at the SATELLITE Conference and Exhibition in Washington on March 9, 2020. After making a promise on Twitter, the Tesla CEO has sold about 900,000 shares of the electric car maker's stock, netting over $1.1 billion that will go toward paying tax obligations for stock options.

After Twitter Poll, CEO Musk Sells Off $5B in Tesla Shares

The sales amount to about 3% of Musk’s stake in the company.

Uaw Headquarters Mich I Stock 910637250

Another UAW Official Charged with Looting Union Coffers

It's the latest chapter of union corruption that has sent more than a dozen people to prison.

This Nov. 14, 2018, file photo shows a Rivian R1T at Rivian headquarters in Plymouth, Mich. Shares in Rivian Automotive are set to trade publicly on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021, and the world should get a better idea of just how hot investors are for the electric vehicle market.

Rivian Surpasses GM to Become 2nd Most Valuable Carmaker

The EV startup has delivered about 150 of its electric pickup trucks, mostly to employees.

This Nov. 14, 2018, file photo shows a Rivian R1T at Rivian headquarters in Plymouth, Mich. Shares in Rivian Automotive are set to trade publicly on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021, and the world should get a better idea of just how hot investors are for the electric vehicle market.

With High-Profile Backers, EV Startup Rivian Goes Public

Rivian would have a market value of $66.5 billion.