Altair International Inc. d/b/a/ Altair Nanotechnologies Inc. (Nasdaq: ALTI) has announced significant advancements in the Company's solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) development program. According to Altair's president Dr. William P. Long, gas channeling features have now been incorporated into the all-ceramic solid state fuel core structure allowing movement of air, fuel and exhaust gases to and from individual cells. Additionally, the density of the electrolyte has been increased to the 92-95 percent range further enhancing cell performance. To date, as many as 12 single layers, alternating electrode-electrolyte-electrode were monolithically formed into an all-ceramic core structure. This compares to three SOFC cores in one solid-state structure. No degradation of core structure materials from thermal cycling (heating and cooling) has been observed to date.

"The program has moved along more quickly than anticipated," reported Dr.Long. "We have scheduled testing 'light off' for the near future. This series of tests will utilize a working bench scale fuel cell made entirely from Altair produced nanomaterials. The test apparatus is near completion at Altair." Altair has scheduled a quarterly review meeting with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for February 21, 2002 to discuss the status of its sponsored research agreement. MIT research is developing catalyst systems for the Altair fuel cell to enable efficient fuel conversion for a variety of hydrocarbon fuels.

Altair owns a proprietary technology for making nanocrystalline materials of unique quality both economically and in large quantities. The company is currently developing special nanomaterials with potential applications in fuel cells, solar cells, advanced energy storage devices, thermal spray coatings, catalysts, cosmetics, paints and environmental remediation. For additional information on Altair's nanoparticle materials, visit www.altairtechnologies.com .