Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

The underlying motivation for developing fuel-cell technology is to provide cleaner energy and to improve the quality of life for people who are currently living in cities in which they are chronically subjected to substantial levels of air and noise pollution. Currently, the most significant barrier to fuel cell commercialization is high cost. This project is targeted at reducing this cost through enhanced understanding and improved engineering. The research is aimed at developing a better understanding of the role of catalyst micro-structure on the performance of PEM (polymer electrolyte membrane) fuel cells. Several software tools will be developed and validated that will enable catalyst optimization and ultimately major cost reductions, which will facilitate the commercialization of PEM fuel cells. This project involves a significant contribution from Ballard Power Systems and will serve to train four graduate students and two post-doctoral fellows, one of whom will spend a significant amount of time on-site at Ballard. All HQP will benefit from a strong and productive collaboration between Queen's University, the Royal Military College of Canada, and Ballard. A significant portion of this work is to use the enhanced understanding to develop nano-engineered catalysts through the alignment of catalysed carbon nanotubes. Significant reductions in platinum loadings are anticipated and will reduce costs and help accelerate the commercialization of PEM fuel cells in Canada thus cementing Canada's leadership position in this technology.