Grant: Strategic Projects - Group
University of Western Ontario
$175,600.00
Atomically controlled Pt-based electrocatalysts with high stability and ultra-low loading for PEM fuel cells
EF 2016-17
Résumé
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.
Programme
Strategic Projects - Group
Bénéficiaire
Emplacement
Ontario, Canada
Type de bénéficiaire
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
NSERC's Awards Data
Tel que publié
Application id
479104-2015
Name nom
Sun, Xueliang
Department département
Mechanical and Materials Engineering
Organization id
36
Institution établissement
University of Western Ontario
Province en
Ontario
Province fr
Ontario
Country en
CANADA
Country fr
CANADA
Fiscal year exercice financier
2016
Competition year année de concours
2015
Award amount
175600
Program id
STPGP
Program name en
Strategic Projects - Group
Program name fr
Projets stratégiques - De groupe
Group en
Research partnerships programs
Group fr
Programmes de partenariat
Committee code
1571
Committee name en
Strategic Projects Selection Panel - Energy
Committee name fr
Comité de sélection des projets stratégiques - Énergie
Area of application code
305
Area of application group en
Energy resources
Area of application group fr
Ressources d'énergie
Area of application en
Energy storage and conversion
Area of application fr
Stockage et transformation de l'énergie
Research subject code
2000
Research subject group en
Materials science and technology
Research subject group fr
Science et technologie des matériaux
Research subject en
Materials science and technology
Research subject fr
Science et technologie des matériaux
Partie
2
Nb partie
3
Application title
Atomically controlled Pt-based electrocatalysts with high stability and ultra-low loading for PEM fuel cells
Keyword
NSERC
Application summary
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.
