Development and tailoring nanoelectrodes for micropower fuel cells

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Micro fuel cells (m-FCs) are required for external and implantable medical devices for the treatment of human illness, sensors, wireless MEMS, etc. Superior m-FC electrodes with better utilization of electrocatalyst, is a research topic of utmost importance. Nanostructures will lead to better utilization of noble metal and hence low electrode cost. The long-term objectives of this research programme are: i) to develop and ii) tailor catalysts/CNTs/substrate nanostructured electrodes for next generation m-FCs. The two milestones are: (1) controlled synthesis of synthesis of vertically well-aligned single wall carbon-nanotubes (SWNTs) and Multi walls carbon nanotubes (MWNTS) on prepatterned microchannel fuel cell electrodes, and (2) controlled electrochemical deposition of nanocatalysts on prepatterned microchannel. The proposal focuses on the fundamental structure/property-performance relationships of materials synthesized in milestones (1) and (2) when submitted to electrochemical interactions with fuels and oxidant of relevance to liquid-based microfuel cells. Further focus will be on the challenges stemming from working at nanoscale such as the way physical, chemical, mechanical, and electrochemical properties change at that level. Further focal point will be on studying changes occurring when solids, liquids, and gases are confined to regions smaller as microchannels. Discoveries that will emerge from this research proposal will provide much needed insight into the way in which the whole structure of technical electrodes controls the performance of m-FCs. This will help improve these technologies in Canada and by that the quality of life of Canadians.