GOALI: Nanostructured Electrodes for Micro PEM Fuel Cells

该拨款为基于碳纳米管的微型聚合物电解质膜燃料电池的纳米结构电极的开发提供资金。该项目的主要目标是在制造此类电极时创建纳米技术和燃料电池技术的协同集成。本论文的研究目标是研究可控管径和数密度的碳纳米管阵列的生长，在碳纳米管阵列上存款高度分散的铂纳米颗粒，开发纳米结构电极的制备技术，并表征微型燃料电池中的纳米结构电极。这项工作的教育目标是培训研究生和本科生，招募妇女和少数民族学生参加拟议的研究，并向高中生推广，吸引他们从事工程专业。这个GOALI项目将在学术界（密苏里大学罗拉分校）和工业界（纳米实验室公司）之间建立密切的伙伴关系。Newton，MA）的聚会。如果成功，这项研究将有助于更好地了解燃料电池电极的制造方法，以及纳米材料合成和微部件制造方面的新知识。这将导致燃料电池电极结构的新设计，包括纳米结构材料及其组件。研究结果将有利于纳米技术和燃料电池的研究社区。它们可能导致潜在的商业化技术，并帮助相关领域的行业开发新产品和创造新的就业机会。总体而言，这项工作将有利于清洁能源生产技术，减轻对石油进口的依赖，改善空气质量，减少温室气体排放。

This grant provides funding for the development of nanostructured electrodes for micro polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells based on carbon nanotubes. The primary goal of this project is to create a synergistic integration of nanotechnology and fuel cell technology in the manufacturing of such electrodes. The research objectives of this effort are to study the growth of carbon nanotube arrays with controlled tube diameters and number density, deposit highly dispersed platinum nanoparticles on the carbon nanotube arrays, develop fabrication techniques for the nanostructured electrodes, and characterize the nanostructured electrodes in micro fuel cells. The educational objectives of this effort are to train graduate and undergraduate students, recruit women and minority students to participate in the proposed research, and outreach to high school students to attract them to an engineering profession. This GOALI project will establish a close partnership between the academic (University of Missouri-Rolla) and industrial (NanoLab, Inc. in Newton, MA) parties. If successful, the research will lead to a better understanding of manufacturing methodologies of fuel cell electrodes and new knowledge in nanomaterials synthesis and microcomponent fabrication. It will result in a new design of fuel cell electrode structures that incorporate nanostructured materials and their components. The results of the research will benefit the research communities in nanotechnology and fuel cells. They may lead to potential technologies for commercialization, and help industries in related areas develop new products and create new jobs. The work in general will benefit clean energy production technologies, alleviate dependence on petroleum imports, improve air quality, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.