DOE targets for proton-exchange membrane fuel cells cannot be reached due to overpotential losses at the cathode. The low activity at platinum catalysts limits the power density of these fuel cells and the large oxidant stoichiometries needed cause parasitic air management power losses. This research project will develop new combinatorial methods to rapidly identify oxygen reduction electrocatalysts that are better than the current state-of-the-art platinum catalysts. Bulk membrane assemblies of these catalysts will be produced and tested in a fuel cell apparatus. These catalysts are targeted to meet Department of Energy performance goals. Combinatorial electrochemistry will be developed to rapidly screen hundreds of catalyst combinations under fuel cell conditions. Most promising fuel cell catalysts will be developed into bulk membrane assemblies and tested.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: An improvement in current density from the discovery of an improved catalyst would allow for a dramatic reduction in fuel cell size and cost and decrease losses associated with air management. These advantages would also benefit transportation applications. Methods developed in this work will be broadly applicable to the discovery of catalysts in other electrochemical applications.
