DuPont Expands Fuel Cell Offering to Include Membrane Electrode Assemblies

WILMINGTON, Delaware, April 16, 2002 -- DuPont Fuel Cells is taking the next step to become a leading supplier of materials and components to the emerging worldwide proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell market. The Company is broadening its product line beyond NafionŽ membranes to include fuel cell components such as membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs).

MEAs currently are available only through confidential development agreements with DuPont. The company's NafionŽ membranes, which have been used in fuel cells for more than 35 years, continue to be commercially available to fuel cell developers worldwide. NafionŽ membranes and MEAs are used to manufacture the PEM fuel cell stack, which is the critical transactional center of the fuel cell where chemical energy is converted into electrical energy. DuPont estimates that more than 50 percent of a fuel cell stack can be made using the company's products.

"The addition of MEAs to DuPont's fuel cell offering reflects an intense product and technology development effort over the past 18 months to transform our unique knowledge and expertise in polymer, coatings and electrochemicals technology into membrane-based components aimed at the specific needs of fuel cell developers," says David L. Peet, global business director - DuPont Fuel Cells. "As fuel cell technology advances and industry needs become more standardized, we expect that the MEAs and other fuel components will represent a significant growth opportunity for DuPont."

In addition to MEAs, DuPont is working to develop other fuel components, such as conductive plates, which protect and house the fuel cell stack.

The company also has several industry alliances in place to advance PEM fuel cell technology, including a partnership with New York-based Mechanical Technology Inc. to develop micro fuel cells for use in portable electronics, and an agreement through its DuPont Canada subsidiary with Technology Partnership Canada to develop conductive plates.

During 2002, DuPont celebrated its 200th year of scientific achievement and innovation providing products and services that improve the lives of people everywhere. Based in Wilmington, Del., DuPont delivers science-based solutions for markets that make a difference in people's lives in food and nutrition; health care; apparel; home and construction; electronics; and transportation.