SBIR Phase I: Fabrication of High Temperature/Low RH Catalyst Coated Fuel Cell Membranes

该小型企业创新研究第一阶段项目旨在优化高温(120摄氏度)和干燥空气操作下阴极电极的传质性能。总体目标是利用新设计的阴极电极层制造完整的催化剂涂层薄膜，并在高温(120℃)燃料电池中测试改进。第二个目标是了解发生在阴极电极中的水和反应物传输机制，这些机制限制了操作温度并需要高水平的阴极增湿。如果质子交换膜燃料电池能够在更热(90℃)和更干燥的条件下在空气电极上运行，则可以实现重大好处。较高的工作温度允许更容易的系统散热和更大的阳极对重整碳氢燃料气流中常见的CO污染物的耐受性。类似的好处也可以在建筑温度较高的热电联产应用中实现。

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is aimed at optimizing the mass-transport properties of the cathode electrode for high temperature (120C), and dry air operation. The overall objective is to fabricate complete catalyst coated membranes utilizing the newly engineered cathode electrode layer, and test the improvements in a high temperature(120C) fuel cell. A second objective is to understand the water and reactant transport mechanisms occurring in the cathode electrode that are limiting the operating temperature and requiring high levels of cathode humidification. Major benefits could be realized if proton exchange membrane fuel cells could be operated under hotter ( 90C) and drier conditions on the air electrode. Higher operating temperatures allow for an easier system heat rejection and a greater anode tolerance to CO contaminants typically found in reformed hydrocarbon fuel streams. Similar benefits can also be realized in building co-gen applications where a higher temperature.