Grant: Strategic Projects - Group

There is a growing awareness that nanoscience and nanotechnology can have a profound impact on energy generation, storage, and utilization. Nanotechnology-based solutions are being developed for a wide range of energy problems such as: solar cells, hydrogen generation and storage, batteries, and fuel cells. The objective of this strategic project is to use nanotechnology to address the cost and durability challenges of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Specifically, this proposed project will involve the synthesis, control, evaluation, and optimization of various porous, hollow and dendrite Pt and Pt alloy nanostructures, to be used as electrocatalysts for fuel cells. The increased understanding of the electronic structure of Pt nanostructures as well as the interaction of Pt atoms and other metal elements for the Pt-based alloy nanostructures will give significant guidance to design nanostructured PEM fuel cell electrocatalysts with a controlled and desired structure as well as enhanced catalytic properties. In particular, synchrotron characterization techniques will be used to obtain this information. It is expected that novel Pt-based catalyst fuel cell electrodes will be ideal materials for providing a higher catalytic performance, and catalyst utilization, as well as a longer fuel cell operational life. The successful completion of this innovative research project will significantly lower the cost and enhance the stability of fuel cells, thereby accelerating the fuel cell commercialization process.This innovative research project will take full advantage of the applicants' expertise in nanotechnology for clean energy. General Motors Canada and Drs. Sun and Sham at Western will collaboratively approach these challenges through the creative and innovative applications of novel nanomaterials and electrode structure. Thesuccessful completion of the proposed project will be of benefit to Canadian industry, and to the nanotechnology community by accelerating the fuel cell commercialization process and directly reducing environmental pollution.