Advanced Membrane-Electrode Assembly (MEA) for PEM Fuel Cells

聚合物电解质膜（PEM）燃料电池已经进入商业化的早期阶段，燃料电池公共汽车和车辆成为清洁交通的重要组成部分。然而，它仍然被认为是昂贵的，需要改善性能和耐久性，降低铂催化剂负载量对于降低成本至关重要。拟议的研究项目旨在开发低成本，高性能和耐用的PEM燃料电池，用于清洁运输和其他新兴应用，为改善城市地区的空气质量和减少温室气体排放做出重大贡献。 本提案中描述的研究是通过合作和伙伴关系开发商业上可行的先进PEM燃料电池技术的一部分。拟议的研究涉及i）通过原子和分子水平操纵开发低和超低铂负载催化剂和活性载体，ii）具有批量生产能力的催化剂层的成本效益配方和制造，以及iii）低成本，高性能和耐用的膜电解质组件（MEA），PEM燃料电池动力系统的核心组件。将通过物理和电化学手段表征所开发的催化剂和活性载体;将表征所制造的催化剂层的微观结构、孔结构和孔径分布以及有效传输性能;将通过测试和评价其性能和耐久性来表征MEA。为了有效利用现有的专门知识和资源来加快进展，计划对拟议的研究采取合作办法。申请人和支持组织具有互补的专业知识和技能，具有现有的研究基础设施，可以成功开展拟议的研究，并一直在共同努力，通过面对面和电子会议和通信来开发和准备这项拟议的研究。建议的研究结果将有助于支持组织的努力，以开发和商业化的PEM燃料电池技术的巨大潜力。

Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell has reached early stage of commercialization with fuel cell buses and vehicles becoming an essential part of clean transportation. However, it is still considered expensive with need for improvement in both performance and durability, and lowering platinum catalyst loading is essential for cost reduction. The proposed research project aims at developing low-cost, high performing and durable PEM fuel cells for clean transportation and other emerging applications, contributing significantly to improvement in the air quality of urban areas and to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The research described in this proposal is a part of the effort to develop commercially viable advanced PEM fuel cell technology through collaboration and partnership. The proposed research involves the development of i) low- and ultra-low platinum loading catalysts and active supports through atomic and molecular level manipulation, ii) cost-effective formulation and fabrication of catalyst layers with volume production capability, and iii) low-cost, high performing and durable membrane-electrolyte assemblies (MEAs), the core component of PEM fuel cell power systems. The catalysts and active supports developed will be characterized through physical and electrochemical means; the catalyst layers fabricated will be characterized for their microstructure, pore structure and pore size distribution, and effective transport properties; and the MEAs will be characterized through testing and evaluation for their performance and durability. To effectively utilize the expertise and resources available for accelerated progress, a collaborative approach is planned for the proposed research. The applicants and the supporting organization have complementary expertise and skills with already available research infrastructure to carry out the proposed research successfully, and have been working together to develop and prepare this proposed research through in-person and electronic meeting and communication. The result of the proposed research will be useful for the supporting organization's effort to develop and commercialize PEM fuel cell technology of immense potential.