Grant: Strategic Projects - Group

The development of cost-competitive, highly efficient, and environmentally benign energy conversion technologies is a major global challenge. Fuel cells offer the potential to convert chemical energy directly int electrical energy with high efficiencies and zero emissions during operation. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are attracting enormous attention due to their great potential in transportation, residential and portable applications. One major technical barriers specifically associated with the fuel cell catalysts are the low Pt utilization and insufficient durability of currently commercial Pt based catalyst layer electrodes. Our approach to solving the problem is to design a single and cost-effective multi-functional graphene nanosheets (MF-G) film catalyst, which concurrently possesses the triple-function with catalytic, mixed ion and electronic conductivity properties necessary to overcome current challenges facing PEMFC commercialization. This work entails a unique approach in the development of PEMFC catalyst electrodes, namely the innovative development of novel reduced graphene oxide (GO) films functionalized with components responsible for mixed ion and electron conduction as well as electrochemical catalytic activity. The novel electrode based on he MF-G will not only simplify the electrode fabrication by elimnating the binders in the coventional electrodes but also improve the catalytic activity and durability of the It is expected that the results of the proposed research will provide a potential breakthrough needed in the effort to make PEMFCs a commercially viable technology through performance improvement, including durability, energy conversion efficiency, and cost reduction. The results of the proposed research will not only effectively reduce the cost and enhance the performance of PEMFCs, it will expand and enhance the capability of relevant Canadian Graphene production and energy industries, thus contributing to the development of a knowledge-based Canadian economy. The proposed activity also aims to train highly qualified personnel (HQP) who will be critical in the development of next generation technologies in Canada and globally.