| Project Detail |
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) will develop novel electrochemical interfaces based on functionalized mixed conductors (FMCs) that produce transformative improvements in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology by eliminating the ionomer from the electrode. In addition, new ORR catalysts will be developed to take advantage of the FMCs and reduce the platinum content used in fuel cells. The ORR kinetics and O2 transport benefits resulting from eliminating the ionomer, along with the new catalysts, could enable more than a 100 mV increase in PEMFC operating voltage while doubling power density. Ionomer-free electrodes will enable simplified fuel cells with higher performance, lower cost, and longer lifetimes.
Potential Impact:
The proposed technology will disrupt the ionomer-based electrode paradigm that has existed for more than 30 years, enabling ionomer-free electrodes with improved power density, efficiency, and durability. |
