Two UCLA professors received grants for their research on metal alloys for fuel cells.
The National Science Foundation awarded a team of researchers including Jianwei Miao, a professor of physics and astronomy, Yu Huang, a professor of materials science and engineering, and another faculty member from the University of Colorado Boulder, with the Special Creativity Award, according to a UCLA press release Wednesday.
The award offers extended funding for individuals to build off their existing research.
The research team has so far successfully synthesized new metal alloys, described their properties and architecture, and modeled how their chemical reactions are vital for fuel cells.
Fuel cells have numerous applications for clean energy technology, such as zero-emission vehicles. Fuel cells combine hydrogen fuel and oxygen from the air to create electricity, heat and water. Unlike vehicles with traditional car engines, zero-emission vehicles do not produce greenhouse gases.
The researchers plan to use the grant to develop a cheaper alloy catalyst, according to the press release.