Science has made a major breakthrough in converting dimethyl ether (DME) into a more hydrophobic material, thanks to the addition of gallium. DME is a colorless gas that is used as a fuel and solvent, and is derived from natural gas and biomass. The new material, created by researchers at the University of New South Wales, has the potential to improve the efficiency of fuel cells and other important energy-related technologies.

The scientists found that by adding gallium to the DME, it becomes a more hydrophobic material. This means that it can more effectively repel water, which is a key factor in the performance of fuel cells. The new material also has a higher energy density than other fuels, which could make it suitable for use in a variety of energy-related applications. This breakthrough could have far-reaching implications for the development of sustainable energy solutions.

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source: Phys.org