Atomically controlled Pt-based electrocatalysts with high stability and ultra-low loading for PEM fuel cells

这项拟议研究的目标将应用纳米技术来解决质子交换膜(PEM)燃料电池低成本和高耐用性下一代电催化剂开发中的关键挑战。通过对新型涂层技术的创造性和创新性应用，WESTERN的Dr.Sun/Dr.Sham、McMaster的Dr.Botton和Ballard Power Systems将协力推进高性能燃料电池技术。这个创新的研究项目将充分利用孙博士在纳米技术方面的专业知识、Sham博士在使用同步辐射方面的知识以及Botton博士的显微镜专业知识来解决燃料电池中面临的各种问题。本研究的目标是应用先进的原子层沉积(ALD)和分子层沉积(MLD)涂层技术，在衬底材料上沉积超细(1 Nm)铂团簇和超薄金属氧化物，以制备新一代、低成本和高耐久性的PEM燃料电池用铂基催化剂。该项目的一个重要方面是应用先进的同步辐射表征和原子分辨电子显微镜来了解催化剂和催化剂载体之间的相互作用，以便更好地设计未来的电极材料。预计新型设计的铂基电极将是一种理想的材料，可以提供更高的催化性能、催化剂利用率以及更长的燃料电池寿命。拟议项目的成功完成将通过加速燃料电池技术的广泛商业化，向加拿大能源和纳米技术行业转移新的知识、专业知识和技术，从而为加拿大工业和纳米技术界带来好处。Ballard Power Systems是燃料电池领域的世界领先者，作为行业合作伙伴，将支持并参与这一项目。这项创新研究将帮助巴拉德提高其全球竞争力，并创建新的经济企业。

The objective of this proposed research will apply nanotechnology to address the key challenges in development of next-generation electrocatalysts with low cost and high durability for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Through creative and innovative application of novel coatings technologies, Western's Dr. Sun/Dr. Sham, McMaster's Dr. Botton and Ballard Power Systems will collaboratively advance high performance fuel cell technologies. This innovative research project will take full advantage of Dr. Sun's expertise in nanotechnology, Dr. Sham's knowledge on the use of synchrotron radiation and Dr. Botton's microscopy expertise to solve various problems faced in the fuel cells. The goals of this proposed research are to apply advanced atomic layer deposition (ALD) and molecular layer deposition (MLD) coating techniques to deposit ultrafine (< 1 nm) Pt clusters and ultra-thin metal oxides on substrate materials to fabricate next-generation, low cost and high durability Pt-based electrocatalysts for PEM fuel cells. An important aspect to this project is the application of advanced synchrotron radiation characterization and atomic-resolution transmission electron microscopy to understand interactions between catalysts and catalyst support for better design of future electrode materials. It is expected that novel design of Pt-based electrodes will be ideal materials for providing a higher catalytic performance, and catalyst utilization, as wellas a longer fuel cell life. Successful completion of the proposed project will provide benefits to Canadian industry and the nanotechnology community by transferring new knowledge, expertise and technologies to Canadian energy and nanotechnology industries, by accelerating widespread commercialization of fuel cell technology. Ballard Power Systems, a world leader in fuel cells, as an industrial partner, will support and be involved in this project. The innovative research will help Ballard increase their global competitiveness and create new economic ventures.