GRAPHITE: Zenyatta sees Albany graphite in Ballard fuel cells

THUNDER BAY, Ontario – Zenyatta Ventures, owner of the Albany hydrothermal graphite project near Hearst, ON, has joined with Ballard Power Systems on a project that will use high purity graphite in the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of a fuel cell. The MEA is a component of the proton exchange membrane, key to proper functioning of the cell. Zenyatta says the project will incorporate Albany graphite in the gas diffusion layer (GDL) of a fuel cell; evaluate the suitability of Albany hydrothermal graphite in fuel cells; and examine the use of Albany graphite in anode and cathode GDL designs. Vancouver-based Ballard has been developing eco-friendly fuel cells for many years. They are not yet mainstream in the alternate power sector, but they hold tremendous promise and their use will undoubtedly grow. If the use of Albany graphite improves their performance, Zenyatta will have a ready market for its product. More information is posted at Zenyatta.ca.