New catalysts for direct formic acid fuel cells

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Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells are part of sustainable energy systems. They are efficient and non polluting electrical generators based on two electrochemical reactions:  the oxidation of a fuel and the reduction of oxygen. One of the most promising applications in the short run of PEM fuel cells is their use in portable units, as their power density may overcome that of the best batteries. Moreover, filling their fuel tank only takes a few seconds, while oxygen is simply taken from ambient air. Direct formic acid fuel cells (DFAFCs) are new liquid fuel cells developed for portable applications. Among the advantages of these cells, one may quote : (i) their theoretical high open circuit potential of 1.4V; (ii) their interesting performance at room temperature (>100 mW/cm2 using Pd black as anode catalyst; (iii) the fact that formic acid is an electrolyte; (iv) the low fuel cross-over of formic acid; (v) the relative harmlessness of that fuel. Today the catalyst used at the anode of DFAFCs is mostly Pd black and optimizing or even replacing this precious metal is desirable. In order to exploit the potential of formic acid as fuel, our strategies will be: (i) to improve the current precious anode catalyst using Pd nanowires or specially made Pd alloys; (ii) to replace Pd with non-precious metal catalysts based on some heat-treated cobalt macrocycles. Two graduate students and one postdoctoral fellow will be developing these catalysts. During the course of their research, they will interact with Plasmionique, a small company located in INRS's building. Plasmionique, which is specialized in the design and development of tools and processes for application to nanostructural film coatings, advanced materials and surface engineering, has recently open a new branch for the design and the assembly of fuel cell test benches. The participation of Plasmionique to this proposal will enable the company to evaluate the possibility to produce highly performing DFAFCs and become the first company in Quebec and only one of the few in Canada to develop such fuel cells for portable applications.