Ionomer-Free Electrodes for Ultrahigh Power Density Fuel Cells

Default ARPA-E Project Image

Program:
OPEN 2021
Award:
$3,220,309
Location:
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Status:
ACTIVE
Project Term:
05/02/2022 - 05/01/2025
Website:

Technology Description:

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) will develop novel electrochemical interfaces based on functionalized mixed conductors (FMCs) that produce transformative improvements in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology by eliminating the ionomer from the electrode. In addition, new ORR catalysts will be developed to take advantage of the FMCs and reduce the platinum content used in fuel cells. The ORR kinetics and O2 transport benefits resulting from eliminating the ionomer, along with the new catalysts, could enable more than a 100 mV increase in PEMFC operating voltage while doubling power density. Ionomer-free electrodes will enable simplified fuel cells with higher performance, lower cost, and longer lifetimes.

Potential Impact:

The proposed technology will disrupt the ionomer-based electrode paradigm that has existed for more than 30 years, enabling ionomer-free electrodes with improved power density, efficiency, and durability.

Security:

The development of fuel cells with high power density and efficiency would increase U.S. competitiveness in clean transportation and stationary power generation.

Environment:

By enabling up to 50% reduction in fuel cell stack cost and up to 2X improvement in durability, these electrodes could disrupt light-duty and heavy-duty vehicle markets and usher in a new era of zero-emission transportation technology.

Economy:

Ionomer-free electrodes based on FMCs and ultra-high activity catalysts provide a critical pathway to commercialization of fuel cells in clean energy applications.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Halle Cheeseman
Project Contact:
Prof. Shawn Litster
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
litster@andrew.cmu.edu

Partners

General Motors
University of California - Irvine
Los Alamos National Laboratory

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Release Date:
02/11/2021