Novel MEA for enhanced durability and high performance polymer electrolyte fuel cell

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The proposed project is concerned with stimulating the end-user market for hydrogen energy. The landmark 2019 report (Future of Hydrogen) by none other than International Energy Agency (IEA) underlines the massive opportunity for hydrogen highlighting the "unprecedented political and business momentum". Hydrogen energy offers multiple opportunities for Alberta and Canada: (i) strengthen Alberta's energy leadership and economic security; (ii) provide technological solutions for decarbonization of various sectors including long-haul transport, chemicals, and iron and steel (ii) contribute to improving air quality and wellness of Albertans, Canadians and other global jurisdiction through adoption of hydrogen energy. A large fraction of this $2.3 Trillion hydrogen market by 2050 is hinged on the ability to "expand hydrogen in transport through fleets, freight and corridors" by making fuel-cell vehicles more competitive (2019 IEA Report). A key hurdle for hydrogen fuel cell adoption in heavy duty trucks and buses is that their durability must increase five-folds compared to hydrogen fuel cells for light weight vehicles (25000 hours versus 5000 hours). A further scrutiny identifies the achiles heels for fuel cells durability to be the durability of the polymer electrolyte membrane. In this two-year long project, a novel concept of membrane electrode assembly (MEA), realizable with existing expertise and incorporating recent materials innovation by the team, will be integrated into a benchtop fuel device to assess its superiority for durability and performance compared to conventional MEA design/materials. The outcome will be a technology readiness level 4 knowledge/ product that could solve the durability issue expediting adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles