RE: People often Ask7 Nov 2023 11:06
Garone - average journey time from R and D to manufacturing is 12 years - some industries (e.g. Aerospace) it can be 30 upwards. the article seems to be aimed at using a graphene based membrane to improve life span and efficiency of fuel cells. it isn't a replacement solution.
inventions happen all the time in R and D that never make it to the manufacturing stages due to additional complexities in proving life span of the product, strength, and production costs - manufacturing is the challenge, invention is relatively easy in comparison. as an example one of the limitations of current jet engines is the temperatures which can safely be achieved due to the limit of Nickle based super alloys, molybdenum borosilicate's were identifies as a possible replacement many decades ago but have been fraught with complications they may eventually be successful but still a long way from application.
most academic resource is funded by industry, and most students want the research to amount to something and not "it works but its too costly and doesn't last long enough" which is often the case - but additional study often makes improvements on any shortfalls - as stated R&D is a long process. anyone who has ever been involved knows and appreciates this. - one article doesn't change much.