Design and manufacturing of hybrid carbon nanofibre materials for fuel cell electrodes

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Motivated by the urgent need for clean and sustainable source of energy we propose to develop structurally and chemically controllable fuel cell catalyst layers based on ultrafine nanocomposite carbon fibre catalyst support. Utilizing the method of integration of fibre architecture design for manufacturing we will elucidate the effect of a range of controlled parameters on fuel cell performance and durability. By in situ synthesis and co-electrospinning the nanofibres will be functionalized with Pt and suitable nanofillers such as carbon nanotubes. By connecting design with fabrication process the scalability issue will be addressed thus establishing the pathway for the manufacturing of future affordable nanofibre based fuel cell transferrable to the industry. With strong participation of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows this program will train a new generation of HQP for the new industry of nanofibre based fuel cells.