Astris Energi Inc (fka ASRNF)

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Astris Energi Discovery Leads to Longer Life, Better Performance of Fuel Cells
Thursday June 1, 9:20 am ET


MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, June 1, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Astris Energi Inc. (OTC BB:ASRNF.OB - News) reported that its program of fuel cell improvement, initiated 18 months ago in connection with technology transfer from the R & D lab to the factory floor, yielded a major breakthrough in terms of electrode quality, reflected in increased power and longer life of its fuel cell. An increase in fuel cell life, from 2000 operating hours to 5000 hours, is seen as a critical step which will open doors, for example, to applications of inexpensive alkaline fuel cells in automobiles.
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The breakthrough came as a result of the work of material scientists in Astris' laboratories in Vlasim, Czech Republic. Fuel cell performance typically declines over the useful life of the fuel cell, just like the performance of a battery. In low temperature fuel cells, this gradual decline typically limits the useful life up to a couple of thousand hours. In competitive products that depend on platinum as the catalyst, this catalyst in itself is the cause of the gradual decline. The mechanisms of performance decline in Astris cells, which do not use platinum catalyst, have not been fully understood thus far. The science team focused on the study of all the materials used in Astris electrodes and on their composition.

A novel, inexpensive material, a form of carbon that is stabilized by heat treatment, provided the answer. Several specimens have shown stable performance in test cells, in the demanding on-off test regime. Fuel cells incorporating this new composition in their electrodes are undergoing long term tests at Astris' Mississauga facility.

``Compliments to both our teams in the Czech Republic and Canada. Year and a half of concentrated effort, and eventually you score a big one,'' said Jiri Nor, CEO and President of Astris Energi. ``This breakthrough could be the catalyst to open up new multi-billion dollar markets for us.''

About Astris Energi Inc.

Astris is committed to becoming a leading provider of affordable stationary and motive power fuel cells and components. Additional information is also available at the company's website at http://www.astris.ca.

The Astris Energi Inc. logo is available at http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=2132

Forward-Looking Statements

Any statements in this release that are not statements of fact may be considered ``forward looking statements'' as that term is defined under securities laws in the United States and Canada. Forward-looking statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual events or results.



Contact:
Astris Energi Inc.
Peter Nor, VP of Marketing and Corporate Development
[phone]
www.astris.ca