Advanced manufacturing techniques to enhance a novel hydrogen fuel cell’s performance

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Public descriptionFuel cells are electrochemical devices that convert energy stored in chemical bonds of fuels, such as hydrogen, into electricity (and heat) without releasing harmful pollutants such as CO, CO2, SOx and NOx into the atmosphere. When supplied with a "green" fuel such as hydrogen generated via electrolysis (water splitting) using renewable electricity they are an emissions free source of electricity which can be used to decarbonise transport and other energy applications.Invented by William Grove in 1839, fuel cells have found limited markets until now. There is a resurgent interest in fuel cells and hydrogen technologies driven by environmental concerns arising from extensive fossil fuel usage. Investments in the hydrogen supply chain is part of the co-ordinated programme to address global climate change. The widespread use of fuel cells in trucks, ships, aeroplanes and stationary power applications will prevent millions of tonnes of CO2 emissions in the coming years.Fuel cells are complex systems at the molecular level with mass transport and chemical reactions across multiple interfaces. Some of these chemical reactions can produce undesirable compounds, especially if pollutants are present in the air or fuel supplies. These undesirable side products attack vital internal components of the fuel cell and lead to device failure. Some of the chemical reactions are reversible with intervention mechanisms to recover performance, but some are irreversible and lead to catastrophic fuel cell failure. Clean Power's novel fuel cell system removes most critical degradation mechanisms associated with conventional designs - see clean-power.co.uk.For challenging applications at high elevations and altitudes the fuel cells must be able to start and operate at low temperatures. This project seeks to discover additives to Clean Power's liquid catholytes to prevent these from freezing at low temperatures (-40 deg C.). A number of candidate additives and different liquid catholyte combinations will be tested using the resources and expertise of the Materials Innovation Factory at the University of Liverpool.