Adaptive layers: towards intelligent design in proton exchange membrane fuel cells

电化学能量转换为无化石燃料的清洁能源系统提供了可行的途径。低温质子交换膜燃料电池（PEMFC）可以实现这样的能量系统，因为它们将化学能转化为电能而不燃烧，效率高，并且在使用时没有排放。它们可用于移动的、便携式和固定电源应用。 拟议的研究计划有可能在三个相关领域取得突破：（1）加拿大独有的新PEMFC表征方法，并通过提供目前无法获得的数据（例如，结构和功能之间的联系，对通过多孔介质的毛细传输理论的改进等），(2)新的燃料电池材料，首次设计成在其结构和界面上具有空间控制，并且可以使其功能适应操作条件（温度、电流负载、电势、相对湿度等）的变化，以及（3）非平面燃料电池拓扑结构，其能够增加功率密度，提供设计灵活性，并将新的微米和纳米结构的益处与实际的大规模生产方案联系起来。 该研究计划将培养一名博士后研究员，四名研究生和五名本科生，涉及电化学，PEMFC表征，实验设计，纳米技术，热和质量传输以及燃料电池设计等领域。这些相关技能可转移到对不列颠哥伦比亚省和加拿大具有战略重要性的许多行业。研究和培训计划将受益于与国际合作伙伴和当地燃料电池公司的有效工作关系。后者处于有利地位，可以从计划的研究成果、高素质的人才和零排放车辆以外的清洁能源应用中受益。

Electrochemical energy conversion provides a feasible path toward clean energy systems without fossil fuels. The low temperature proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) can enable such an energy system because they convert chemical energy into electrical power without combustion, at high efficiency, and with no emissions at the point of use. They can be used in mobile, portable, and stationary power applications. The proposed research program has the potential for breakthroughs in three related areas: (1) New PEMFC characterization methods that are unique in Canada, and improve inadequate theories by providing currently unavailable data (e.g., connections between structure and function, improvements to the theories for capillary transport through porous media, etc.), (2) New fuel cell materials that, for the first time, are designed with spatial control over their structures and interfaces, and can adapt their functions to changes in the operating conditions (temperature, current load, potential, relative humidity, etc.), and (3) Non-planar fuel cell topologies that enable power density increases, provide flexibility in design, and link the benefits of new micro- and nanostructures to realistic mass production schemes. The research program will train one postdoctoral fellow, four graduate students and five undergraduate students in the areas of electrochemistry, PEMFC characterization, design of experiments, nanotechnology, heat and mass transport, and fuel cell design. These related skills are transferable to many industries in areas of strategic importance for BC and for Canada. The research and training programs will benefit from effective working relationships with international partners and local fuel cell companies. The latter are well positioned to benefit from the planned research outcomes, the highly qualified personnel, and the clean energy applications beyond zero-emission vehicles.