FCH JU Systematic, Material-oriented Approach using Rational design to develop break-Through Catalysts for automotive PEMFC

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The present consortium will build a new concept of electrodes based on new catalyst design (ternary alloys/core shell clusters) deposited on a new high temperature operation efficient support. In order to enhance the fundamental understanding and determin e the optimal composition and geometry of the clusters (alloys, core-shell), advanced computational techniques will be used in direct combination with electrochemical analysis of the prepared catalysts. The use of deposition by plasma sputtering on altern ative non-carbon support materials will ensure the reproducible properties of nanoclusters and nanostructured catalytic layers. Plasma technology is now a well established, robust, clean, and economical process for thin film technologies. Well-defined che mical synthesis methods will also be used for quickly defining the best catalytic system prior to shaping/designing by using plasma technology. In view of automotive operation conditions, MEA preparation, testing, and automated fabrication will complete t he new concepts of catalysts and supports for delivering a competitive and industrially scalable new design of PEMFC for automotive applications. Theferore, the project SMARTCat is in perfect harmony with the targets and requirements of the call SP1-JTI-F CH.2012.1.5 New catalyst structures and concepts for automotive PEMFCs.