Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

Alcohol fuel cell sensors (ACFSs) have attracted considerable attention due to their great potential in the detection of human breath alcohol concentration. One major technical barrier specifically associated with ACFS is a performance decrease of the sensor due to dehydration of the proton exchange membrane and catalyst layers, which occurs at environmental extremes of temperature or humidity. Our approach to solve this problem is to develop unique, cost-effective, low-humidity composite membranes using acid-functionalized nano-materials with various polymeric electrolytes (PFSA or porous polybenzimidazole). The ultimate goal is to develop novel composite membranes and membrane electrode assemblies with excellent stability for commercial fuel cell sensors.This research will strengthen our partnership with Alcohol Countermeasure Systems Corp., building on our previous NSERC Engage project successfully developing this technology. The results will help enhance the performance and stability of fuel cell sensors, and reduce their cost. They will also expand and enhance the capabilities of the relevant Canadian industry, contributing to the development of a knowledge-based Canadian economy. The research could bring revolutionary advances in fuel cell sensor technology by taking advantage of the most recent progress in nanotechnology. The proposed activities will also train highly qualified personnel who will be critical in the development of next generation technology in Canada and globally.