Structure – properties relationship of anion conducting materials and electrocatalysts for energy applications

世界能源需求快速增长，创新和发展替代能源是满足这一需求、减少对化石燃料的依赖和减少温室气体排放的根本。燃料电池是一种将燃料的化学能直接转化为电能的电化学装置。燃料电池具有固有的优越的转换效率和燃料灵活性。特别有希望的是固体碱性燃料电池(SAFC)，因为它在电极上的催化速度更快，从而避免了使用昂贵的铂基催化剂。鉴于这种毋庸置疑的兴趣，我在INRS-EMT制定了一个强有力的研究计划，研究电化学系统的材料，特别是燃料电池的材料。在目前的探索赠款中，我打算解决与SAFC的两个组成部分有关的重大挑战，从而为充分实施这项技术作出贡献。具体地说，未来五年，我将：

The world energy demand grows rapidly, and the innovation and development of alternative energy sources are absolutely fundamental to meet this need, and to reduce the dependency on fossil fuels and the emission of greenhouse gas. Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that convert the chemical energy of a fuel directly into electrical energy. Fuel cells have inherent superior conversion efficiency and fuel flexibility. Particularly promising are solid alkaline fuel cells (SAFCs) because of the faster catalysis at the electrodes thus avoiding the use of expensive Pt-based catalysts. Given this unquestionable interest, I have developed at the INRS-EMT a vigorous research program in materials for electrochemical systems, and in particular for fuel cells. In the present Discovery Grant, I intend to address major challenges related to two of the SAFCs components and thus contributing for the full implementation of this technology. Specifically, in the next five years, I will: