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

电化学能量转换为实现无化石燃料的清洁能源系统提供了一条可行的途径。低温质子交换膜燃料电池（pemfc）可以实现这样一个能源系统，因为它们可以在不燃烧的情况下将化学能转化为电能，效率高，并且在使用时没有排放。它们可用于移动、便携式和固定电源应用。拟议的研究项目有可能在三个相关领域取得突破：(1)新的PEMFC表征方法在加拿大是独一无二的，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，通过多孔介质的毛细输送理论的改进等）来改进不充分的理论；(2)新的燃料电池材料首次设计了对其结构和界面的空间控制，并且可以根据操作条件（温度，电流负载，温度和温度）的变化调整其功能。(3)非平面燃料电池拓扑结构能够提高功率密度，提供设计灵活性，并将新的微纳米结构的优点与现实的大规模生产方案联系起来。该研究项目将在电化学、PEMFC表征、实验设计、纳米技术、热量和质量传输以及燃料电池设计等领域培养1名博士后、4名研究生和5名本科生。这些相关技能可以转移到对BC省和加拿大具有战略重要性的许多行业。研究和培训项目将受益于与国际合作伙伴和当地燃料电池公司的有效合作关系。后者将受益于计划的研究成果、高素质的人才以及零排放汽车以外的清洁能源应用。

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.