Designs for a Cooler Planet
Discover tomorrow at Aalto University's biggest exhibition! Open 1 September – 30 October 2026.
New hydrogen innovation could democratize energy
A groundbreaking material joint makes hydrogen fuel cells lighter, more reliable, and more affordable to manufacture.
Hydrogen produced with renewable energy is a versatile storage solution and zero-emission fuel that can power heavy transport, from trucks to future electric aviation.
Adoption of hydrogen fuel cells has been slowed by outdated fastener-based manufacturing, which is heavy, costly, prone to leakage, and difficult to scale.
Researchers at Aalto University have developed a metal–polymer joint using controlled plastic flow. The result is a fuel cell which is fully sealed, lighter and flexible in shapes that could be integrated into aircraft wings and fuselages.
‘We are making fuel cells as modular as batteries. Hydrogen is everywhere, and its widespread adoption could democratize energy,’ says Doctoral Researcher Prabilson Khadka.
Find this and dozens of other fresh perspectives, bold experiments and practical solutions in the autumn exhibition.
