Impact of MEA non-uniformities on membrane durability through X-ray computed tomography (XCT) characterization

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The hydrogen and fuel cell industry is currently gaining significant momentum worldwide due to the increasingly urgent need for zero-emission transportation systems across all sectors. As fuel cell commercialization and manufacturing ramp up, increased understanding of material variations as input into quality control and design approaches is becoming critical to enable simultaneous manufacturing cost reductions and product durability enhancements. A detailed understanding of potential failure initiation points, termed non-uniformities, is therefore essential. The research objective addressed in this proposal is to identify membrane electrode assembly (MEA) non-uniformities at the subcomponent level, as well as at the component interfaces, and suggest mitigation routes to increase fuel cell durability. This work leverages an international university-industry supply chain partnership between Simon Fraser University (SFU), Ballard Power Systems, and W.L. Gore. Novel results and findings will be achieved by utilizing X-ray computed tomography to visualize microscopic features of interest during fuel cell operation, with the aim to capture the required understanding leading to enhanced lifetime. All results will be shared with Ballard and Gore and depending on the specific outcomes, MEA design strategies to mitigate and improve fuel cell performance and durability will be suggested. The benefits to Canada will be accrued in several ways; most notably through knowledge and technology transfer to Ballard, a world leader in fuel cell development and manufacturing that has the capacity to exploit the project outcomes across worldwide markets for zero-emission mobility. By the inclusion of Gore, a global leader in fuel cell membrane design and production, the project outcomes will benefit the entire fuel cell manufacturing supply chain from membrane, electrode, and MEA components to fuel cell stacks and systems. The anticipated research tools and outcomes are also important for SFU to support its new Sustainable Energy Engineering programs. The outcomes will also aid Canada's ambitions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by enhancing the value proposition of fuel cell electric vehicles.