Strategies to obtain stable, active and operforming non-PGM catalysts for the reduction of oxygen in H2/Air PEM fuel cells

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Due to their zero-emission and high efficiency, proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have earned substantial commercial and government interest worldwide, as highly promising renewable energy power sources for portable, automobile and stationary applications. However, their widespread commercialization is greatly hindered by their high cost and insufficient stability. The rare and expensive Pt-based electrocatalysts are identified to be one of the key factors, since it contributes to over 50% of PEMFC stack cost. Therefore, the development of inexpensive, highly active and stable non-Platinum-Group-Metal (non-PGM) catalysts is of paramount importance. The main objective of this project is to employ nanotechnology to develop scalable, inexpensive, earth-abundant and earth-friendly iron (Fe)-based non-PGM catalysts. This project aims to significantly improve its stability, with further improving its high activity (the activity of our current catalyst is already comparable to Pt), via innovative and feasible strategies. This project involves a strong collaborative team from six research parties as well as two industry supporters including the world-leading fuel cell industry Ballard, to approach the above goals from all angles. It features a notable mix of nanomaterials synthesis, various advanced characterization, theoretical modelling, fuel cell performance evaluation and scaling up, leading to a synergetic effort to reveal the catalytic activity and performance decay mechanism, finally to promote the wide-spread commercialization of PEMFCs. The expected outcomes of the project is of great significance to our industry partners, and is also of the highest importance to our economy, energy, environment and society, as it will help to make PEMFCs economically competitive with today's thermal power sources, and may also revolutionize the transportation and stationary power source market. The HQP involved in this project will gain valuable and comprehensive training, and will be in high demand both in the industrial and academic sectors in Canada.