PEM fuel cell structure increases power output density 4X by introducing a Brønsted acid–Lewis base interface within the catalytic layer

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3367077/chinese-scientists-boost-hydrogen-fuel-cell-power-fourfold-new-design

"10X higher proton diffusion, 6.5X higher conductivity, >50% lower activation energy, 0.75 watts/ square cm power output at 0.7V, 6.9 kW generated/ gram platinum (drastically reducing this precious metal use), retains 63% peak power after 30K cycles (was 30%)... accelerates commercial viability/ energy conversion efficiency for heavy transport/ stationary hydrogen power systems, space exploration... future: transition the technology from laboratory testing to large-scale industrial manufacturing"

Related: Unexpectedly rigid polymers boost ion transport in hydrogen fuel cell membranes
https://techxplore.com/news/2026-09-unexpectedly-rigid-polymers-boost-ion.html