Atomic layer deposition of platinum nanoparticles on nanoporous carbon scaffold for fuel cell applications

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are the power generators in hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) that can help to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions in the form of sustainable, zero-emission transportation. However, there are still multiple factors that are hindering FCEV commercialization, including the high cost and short lifetime of electrodes and catalyst layers, consisting of platinum (Pt) nanoparticles deposited on porous carbon powder. In this research project, a novel material, a self-supported nanoporous carbon scaffold (NCS) with a tunable pore size and wettability will be loaded with Pt nanoparticles using, a new technique, passivation-gas-incorporated atomic layer deposition (PALD), to tune the Pt nanoparticle activity, size and loading. The planned research activities include: (I) PALD training and (II) assembling and testing the Pt/NCS catalyst layers using a fuel cell test station that operates under real conditions. The anticipated outcome is determining how different variables (e.g., NCS pore size and wettability, PALD cycles) will affect Pt nanoparticle distribution, activity and stability under real fuel cell operating conditions.

Faculty Supervisor:

Viola Birss

Student:

Partner:

Stanford University

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Calgary

Program: