Developments of high performance/low-cost cathode and hydrogen production Al-Cu alloy for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

Abstract

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have been considered as one of the most promising energy conversion devices for future due to their high efficiency, and environmental friendly system. However, current manufacturing cost of PEMFCs stack can hardly meet the demands which market allows for large-scale commercialization. Among various components of PEMFCs, electrodes containing Pt. based catalysts account for almost more than half of the stack cost. The development of inexpensive electrode with high performance for reducing Pt. catalysts usage is a key technology to overcome economic problems.And, hydrogen is the most suitable fuel for PEMFCs operation with high energy density. To ensure successful market introduction of PEMFCs, hydrogen supplying infra-system with convenient and safe hydrogen storage and production technology should be established. In spite of various attempts in the past a few decades, current developed methods were not sufficient in terms of capacity or market price for commercial applications. It is important to develop low-priced hydrogen storage and production method with sufficient hydrogen production density. In this study, we have made an attempt to design high performance and low cost catalysts, electrode and hydrogen production material for PEMFCs; development of inexpensive catalysts, optimization of pore structure, and hydrogen production from hydrolysis of aluminum. The first part contains i) synthesis of highly active non-precious metal catalysts to replace precious Pt catalysts in alkaline media. The second part contains ii) optimization of pore structure in the electrode to improve performance of high-temperature PEMFCs. And, the third part contains iii) on-board hydrogen production by hydrolysis from designed Al-Cu alloys for PEMFCs application. Each part adopts common strategy to maximize reaction area by structural modification. 1) Synthesis of highly active non-precious catalysts in alkaline mediaNanoporous co...