London listed ITM Power , a fuel cell company developing materials and patented production methods to produce low cost fuel cells and electrolysers rallied yesterday on the back of a new research update.

What makes ITM different to other fuel cell companies is that it is trying to develop liquid fuel cells - direct methanol fuel cells, which could avoid the inherent priciness of plantinum.

It has filed patent applications both on the invention of a composite membrane of enhanced properties including specifically an acid/alkaline laminate, and on the use of control grids to act directly on and control the electrical activity within a fuel cell.

It closed today at a new high of 139.5.