A team of researchers at UCLA led by materials scientists and chemists has developed a new catalyst design that shows promising results in enhancing the durability and efficiency of fuel cells. By embedding cobalt oxide clusters in ultrafine platinum, the catalyst nearly doubles the U.S. Department of Energy's target for fuel cell lifetime, as outlined in a recent study published in Nature Catalysis. The extended lifespan of these fuel cells could significantly benefit both light-duty vehicles like passenger cars and heavy-duty vehicles such as long-haul semi-trucks, thereby contributing to lower carbon emissions. The innovative design, which utilizes strong platinum-oxide interactions, helps the catalyst remain stable over an extended period without compromising fuel cell performance. This breakthrough addresses the challenge of balancing catalytic efficiency with fuel cell durability, offering a cost-effective solution for widespread commercial use of fuel cell technology. The research team, supported in part by the U.S. Office of Naval Research, includes lead authors from the Huang Research Group and senior co-corresponding authors from institutions in Italy and California. The study showcases the nanoscale structure of the catalyst through various techniques and has filed for a provisional U.S. patent, indicating the promising impact of this technology in advancing sustainable energy solutions.