Scientists at NIST have developed a way to build "engines" of future hydrogen-powered cars more effectively. New method could yield better and more economical options for creating hydrogen fuel. In 2012, team members found a way to deposit one-atom-thick layers of platinum onto gold base. Team now has shown their technique can rapidly electroplate ultrathin layers of several metals in the periodic table—known as the platinum group—onto gold and more affordable base metals, such as nickel.