Exploratory Research and Development of Catalyst Layers for PEM Fuel Cells

This proposed project will partner researchers in the research group of Dr. Byron Gates at Simon Fraser University with those at Automotive Fuel Cell Cooperation (AFCC) to create structured cathode catalyst layers to improve the performance of AFCC’s proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells (FCs). The focus of this project will be to create structured polymeric stamps that will allow the deposition of structured cathode catalyst coatings onto a membrane pre-coated with an anode catalyst layer (half-CCM). The resultant catalyst coated membrane (CCM) will be assembled into an AFCC proprietary membrane electrode assembly (MEA), which will be integrated into a fuel cell and its response measured. It is foreseen that by creating new catalyst structures with our flexible stamps the FC electrochemical performance will be fine-tuned in an attempt to understand the correlation of catalyst layer structure to its overall performance. The overall goal is to guide further improvement in the optimal use and loading of catalyst material within PEMFCs. To achieve this goal we will adapt microelectronics industry techniques to produce flexible stamps, which will be used in partnership with AFCC to print structured cathode catalyst layers onto membranes for incorporation into PEMFCs.

Faculty Supervisor:

Byron Gates

Student:

Partner:

Automotive Fuel Cell Cooperation Corp

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Simon Fraser University

Program: