The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) announced research results today into a new fuel cell technology that could triple the energy density of electric vehicles. The report singled out aviation as a likely beneficiary of the advanced tech, since weight savings are a key component in electric aircraft propulsion systems.

The new technology is described as similar to a battery, but with the difference that it can be “refueled rather than recharged.” Rather than fossil fuel or hydrogen, these fuel cells are powered by inexpensive and widely available liquid sodium metal. The reactive side of the fuel cell is simply air. In between is a layer of solid ceramic material that fills the role of electrolyte “allowing sodium ions to pass freely through” along with a porous air-facing elec

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