Holistic design of fuel cell electrocatalysts for the least power applications - CATALEAST

Project summary

Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) comprise the most important fuel cell type for mobile and portable electricity generation. Currently used PEMFC electrodes based on Pt/C electrocatalysts have stability issues resulting in limited lifetime and high price. Project CATALEAST, a consortium with complementary expertise in catalyst development and PEMFC design, proposes development of new types of composite-based corrosion resistant catalysts with improved stability and decreased Pt content; integration of these materials into Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEAs); and building of PEMFC cells and stacks from these MEAs for laboratory tests and application in new portable devices. The novel generation of electrocatalysts and the completed small PEMFCs with MEAs built on these catalysts as the outcomes of the proposed work will contribute to the deployment of hydrogen fuel cells, one of the key technologies towards a sustainable, decarbonised and more efficient energy system.