CATHCAT

Novel catalyst materials for the cathode side of MEAs suitable for transportation applications

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Novel low temperature fuel cell (FC) cathode catalyst and support systems will be designed and synthesized. The focus will be on highly active catalyst materials for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) for transportation applications. These materials will be fully characterized, benchmarked and validated with a multi-scale bottom up approach in order to significantly reduce the amount of precious metal catalyst loadings (< 0.15 g/kW) and to vastly improve fuel cell efficiency and durability. Thereby, materials compatible and stable under automotive fuel cell environment and conditions will be investigated in order to reach a FC lifetime of 5000h. These targets are highly relevant to the call topic requesting ambitious, highly novel concepts for next generation European membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) for transportation applications. Numerical simulations will be used in order to identify which alloy compositions to strive for in the experimental work. These alloys will be synthesized both in the form of well defined model compounds as well as in the form of nanoparticles. Different modified support materials will be studied. For the NPs, there will be two stages of preparation, the small scale preparation to create well defined NPs for preliminary assessment of their performance and stability, and, subsequently, up-scaling for MEA production. Supported NP catalysts and model catalysts will be tested using electrochemical methods and Surface Science approaches. After up-scaling MEAs based on improved cathode catalysts and improved supports will be assembled using advanced Nafion- based and high temperature membrane based electrolytes. These will be tested for performance and durability using procedures established in automotive industry and previous EU projects.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

The amount of platinum catalysts makes up a major portion of the overall cost of fuel cells. EU-funded scientists are developing new materials to reduce the amount of platinum in fuel cells, making them more viable for electric vehicles.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) powered by hydrogen, a zero-emission fuel, represent a very attractive choice for use in fuel cell vehicles. Firstly, the PEMFCs split the hydrogen gas into its constituent protons and electrons at one electrode. Then the flow of electrons generates electrical power, before the electrons and protons recombine with reduced oxygen at the second electrode, forming water as the only by-product.

Despite this technology boasting high energy conversion efficiency, the reaction that generates reduced oxygen in fuel cells requires an expensive platinum electrode. This precious metal catalyst is a key cost driver, thus being the primary barrier to mass-market fuel cells.

To meet the efficiency, durability and cost requirements for fuel cells, scientists have initiated the EU-funded project http://cathcat.eu/ (CATHCAT) (Novel catalyst materials for the cathode side of MEAs suitable for transportation applications). The main aim is to develop new alloy catalysts based on platinum or palladium as the first constituent and rare earth elements as the second. These new alloys are expected to demonstrate enhanced catalytic activity compared to pure platinum.

Theoretical (density functional theory) calculations are greatly helping scientists to screen candidate materials with focus on their stability and catalytic activity. The new alloy materials will be synthesised in both well-defined model compounds and nanoparticles. In addition, new support materials will be explored based on functionalised carbons, carbon nanotubes and oxides, and tested for their durability and stability.

Project partners have hitherto studied several highly active catalysts based on platinum and rare earth elements, with improved catalytic activity and stability over platinum. Another focus has been to develop new methods for preparing nanoparticles of these materials and synthesising them in large quantities for use in membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs).

CATHCAT aims for a significant reduction or even replacement of platinum in MEAs, enabling a significant decrease in PEMFC cost. This should make them more viable for transport applications.