Multifunctional Non-Precious Catalysts Derived from Biomass for Fuel Cells and Metal-Air Batteries

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Hydrogen fuel cells (FCs), due to their zero-emission and high efficiency, have earned substantial commercial and government interest worldwide, as highly promising renewable energy power sources (energy conversion) for portable, automobile and stationary applications. On the other hand, rechargeable Zn-air batteries, due to their high energy density (5 times higher than Li-ion battery), safety and low cost, are one of the most promising next-generation energy storage technologies. Their widespread commercialization, however, is hindered mainly by their high cost, especially using expensive platinum group metal catalysts. The overall objective of this Discovery program is to employ nanotechnology to develop cheap and highly efficient biomass-derived catalysts, for fuel cell and rechargeable Zn-air battery applications. One important novelty in this program is to involve the sustainable natural biomass resources to fabricate the porous carbon materials. Biomass materials are favored for their abundance, low cost, multi-functional, chemical stable, and environmentally friendly. For the next five years, we will focus on three projects, aiming 1) to develop various biomass-derived carbon metal free catalysts as well as their doped ones for both fuel cell and battery applications; 2) to develop biomass-carbon-based non-precious metal catalysts for fuel cells, and 3) to develop transition-metal/biomass-carbon bifunctional catalysts for rechargeable Zn-air batteries. The application of the biomass-derived carbon materials for energy conversion and storage (bio-waste for energy) is a promising and emerging area. The long-term objectives are to exploit these fundamental discoveries to develop highly efficient catalysts towards next generation energy conversion and storage devices for various applications, such as transportation and backup power supplies, showing that our fundamental research can be translated into commercial products that are economically relevant to Canadian industry. This sustainable way of producing materials for energy application also ensures a smooth shift to a sustainable society nationally and internationally. The expected outcomes of the project will help to make fuel cells and Zn-air batteries economically competitive with today's thermal power sources, and revolutionize the transportation and stationary power source market. The wide-spread commercialization of fuel cells and Zn-air batteries in transportation and other power supply applications will significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It will affirm Canada's leadership at the forefront of nanotechnology for energy. It is also of great significance to our health, economy, energy, environment and society. The HQP involved in this program, in equitable and inclusive research and work environment, will gain valuable and comprehensive training, and will be in high demand both in the industrial and academic sectors in Canada.