Atomically controlled Pt-based electrocatalysts with high stability and ultra-low loading for PEM fuel cells

这项拟议研究的目标将应用纳米技术来解决质子交换膜（PEM）燃料电池的低成本和高耐用性的下一代电催化剂开发的关键挑战。通过创造性和创新性地应用新型涂层技术，西方的孙博士/沈博士，麦克马斯特的波顿博士和巴拉德动力系统将合作推进高性能燃料电池技术。这个创新的研究项目将充分利用孙博士在纳米技术方面的专业知识，沈博士在使用同步辐射方面的知识和波顿博士在显微镜方面的专业知识，以解决燃料电池面临的各种问题。 本研究的目标是应用先进的原子层沉积（ALD）和分子层沉积（MLD）涂层技术，在基底材料上存款超细（< 1 nm）Pt团簇和超薄金属氧化物，以制备下一代、低成本和高耐久性的PEM燃料电池Pt基电催化剂。该项目的一个重要方面是应用先进的同步辐射表征和原子分辨率透射电子显微镜来了解催化剂和催化剂载体之间的相互作用，以更好地设计未来的电极材料。可以预见，新型铂基电极的设计将是提供更高的催化性能和催化剂利用率以及更长的燃料电池寿命的理想材料。 拟议项目的成功完成将通过向加拿大能源和纳米技术行业转让新的知识、专门知识和技术，加速燃料电池技术的广泛商业化，为加拿大工业和纳米技术界带来好处。巴拉德动力系统公司是燃料电池领域的世界领导者，作为工业合作伙伴，将支持并参与这一项目。这项创新研究将帮助巴拉德提高全球竞争力并创造新的经济企业。

The objective of this proposed research will apply nanotechnology to address the key challenges in development of next-generation electrocatalysts with low cost and high durability for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Through creative and innovative application of novel coatings technologies, Western's Dr. Sun/Dr. Sham, McMaster's Dr. Botton and Ballard Power Systems will collaboratively advance high performance fuel cell technologies. This innovative research project will take full advantage of Dr. Sun's expertise in nanotechnology, Dr. Sham's knowledge on the use of synchrotron radiation and Dr. Botton's microscopy expertise to solve various problems faced in the fuel cells. The goals of this proposed research are to apply advanced atomic layer deposition (ALD) and molecular layer deposition (MLD) coating techniques to deposit ultrafine (< 1 nm) Pt clusters and ultra-thin metal oxides on substrate materials to fabricate next-generation, low cost and high durability Pt-based electrocatalysts for PEM fuel cells. An important aspect to this project is the application of advanced synchrotron radiation characterization and atomic-resolution transmission electron microscopy to understand interactions between catalysts and catalyst support for better design of future electrode materials. It is expected that novel design of Pt-based electrodes will be ideal materials for providing a higher catalytic performance, and catalyst utilization, as wellas a longer fuel cell life. Successful completion of the proposed project will provide benefits to Canadian industry and the nanotechnology community by transferring new knowledge, expertise and technologies to Canadian energy and nanotechnology industries, by accelerating widespread commercialization of fuel cell technology. Ballard Power Systems, a world leader in fuel cells, as an industrial partner, will support and be involved in this project. The innovative research will help Ballard increase their global competitiveness and create new economic ventures.