Nanodesign to Improve the Catalytic layer of the polymer Electrolyte fuel cell (NICE)

In the use of nature-inspired design, we have taken the supply system of say a leaf as a model for supply of fuels to the catalytic layer of a fuel cell. In the human lung, the supply of oxygen and release of CO_2, will take place with constant frictional losses (entropy production). In the design tested in this project, we have aimed to accomplish such a property and have indeed seen that the predicted design gives a better function as the one currently used.

The project proposes to exploit a new idea for design of the functional layers in the polymer electrolyte fuel cell. The idea combines in a new way elements from energy efficient operation using minimum entropy production and efficient use of catalyst by avoiding known mass-transfer limitations in PEM fuel cells. Using a mock-cathode, we shall test for geometry and materials that can prevent clogging of water in cell water in a neutron imaging apparatus at IFE. The microporous/nanoporous electrocatalytic layer and the whole set-up shall be prepared and tested at NTNU/SINTEF. The project shall lead to a PhD, strengthen the existing international team, and prepare for commercialisation and use of the new design.