Drones are recently used in searching at disasters, shipment, etc. since they are small and easy to control. In spite of their merits, drones have critical demerits: the battery made of lithium, maintains a drone for only about 1 hour. To address this problem, a POSTECH research team led by Professor Gyeong Man Choi (MSE) and Kim Kunjoong (MSE integrated) developed fuel cells using solid oxide, which can be used for smartphones, laptops, drones, and micro mechanical equipment. The result was published in Scientific Report in March. Experts are hopeful that this technology could also be used for the large fuel cells for automobiles.
The fuel cell generates current when ionized oxygen on air interacts with ionized hydrogen after going through electrolyte to anode. For this structure, silicon which has a low durability acts as a supporter of it.  The research team finally overcame the problem by using stainless steel and coating technology, which enhances not only durability but also ability of the cell itself.