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Molecular-Sieve-Based
Nano-Cathode Structures for PEM Fuel Cells--FuelCell Energy, Inc., 3 Great Pasture Road,
Danbury, CT 06813-1305; 203-825-6057,
www.fce.com
Dr.
Sai Katikaneni, Principal Investigator,
Mr.
Ross M. Levine, Business Official,
DOE
Grant No. DE-FG02-03ER83663
Amount:
$100,000
The
Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell uses an electrochemical process to
generate electricity with zero emissions and high efficiency.
Current state-of-the-art PEM fuel cells, operating at ambient pressure,
have a power density of 100milliWatt/cm2 at 0.8V. However,
power density enhancements greater than 200% would be required to meet the cost
and performance targets for automobile and stationary fuel cell applications. The
oxidation-reduction reaction kinetics at the anode and cathode electrodes is a
process that could be targeted for improving PEM fuel cell performance. In
particular, the oxygen reduction reaction at the cathode needs advanced catalyst
structures to improve overall fuel cell performance. This
project will develop advanced molecular-sieve-based nano-cathode structures to
improve cathode reaction kinetics by reducing mass transfer and ionic resistance
losses. Phase I will develop the
advanced molecular-sieve-based nano-cathode structures, conduct Microelectrode
Array (MEA) fabrication, and evaluate the feasibility of the concept.
Commercial Applications and Other
Benefits
as described by awardee: The
technology should reduce the cost of the PEM fuel cell system and accelerate the
commercialization of PEM fuel cells for both transportation and stationary
applications, resulting in significant fuel savings and cleaner air quality for
the nation.