Recently, a groundbreaking experiment was conducted by Dr. Deng Dehui from the State Key Laboratory of Catalysis at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, along with researcher Pan Xiulian and academician Bao Xinhe, in collaboration with the Fuel Cell Research Department of the Clean Energy National Laboratory. For the first time, they successfully replaced noble metals in fuel cell catalysts with iron, marking a significant step forward in clean energy technology. The findings were recently published online in the prestigious journal *Angewandte Chemie*. Hydrogen-based electricity generation is seen as a key component of future sustainable energy systems. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are crucial for this transition, but their widespread use has been limited due to the high cost and scarcity of precious metals like platinum, which are traditionally used as catalysts. This has led to a major challenge in the field: finding an affordable and abundant alternative to these costly materials. To address this, the research team developed an innovative approach by encapsulating iron-based nanoparticles inside carbon nanotubes with a unique pod-like structure. Using advanced tools such as the deep ultraviolet light emission electron microscope and X-ray absorption spectroscopy at the Shanghai Light Source, they observed how the d-electrons of metallic iron interacted with the carbon atoms in the nanotube walls. This interaction allowed the electrons to "pass through" the walls and catalyze oxygen reduction on the outer surface of the tube, proving that iron can effectively replace noble metals in fuel cell applications. Further experimental and theoretical studies revealed that the carbon shell surrounding the iron nanoparticles prevented direct contact between the metal and reactive gases, thus avoiding oxidation and poisoning by harmful substances in the reaction environment. This breakthrough significantly improves the stability of iron as a cathode catalyst, making it a viable option for long-term fuel cell operations. Industry experts have praised the study, stating that it not only offers a practical solution for replacing expensive catalysts but also introduces new concepts that could reshape the design of catalysts for harsh environments. This development could lead to more affordable and sustainable fuel cell technologies in the near future. The research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Ministry of Science and Technology. (Trainee reporter: Qiu Rui) Melamine plywood Shangdong Oushibao New Materials Co.,Ltd , https://www.oushibaomgo.com