Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell catalyst layer degradation

Clean electrochemical energy conversion is critically needed to build energy security that reduces Canada’s reliance on fossil fuels. The polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell is a particularly important part of a clean energy future as an attractive alternative to the internal combustion engine for transportation applications. PEM fuel cells offer zero local emissions, fast-start ups, and use of clean hydrogen that can be produced from renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar. However, the widespread adoption of PEM fuel cells in Canada is currently hindered by high costs and limited lifetimes, largely stemming from the membrane electrode assembly (MEA), which includes expensive platinum. For this project, the University of Toronto (Prof. Bazylak) and Ballard Power Systems Inc. developed a new partnership to elucidate the sulphonic degradation of the ionomer and coverage of platinum catalyst sites through ex situ and operando imaging, electrochemical performance characterization, and transport property analysis.

Faculty Supervisor:

Aimy Bazylak

Student:

Partner:

Ballard Power Systems Inc

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Toronto

Program: