Synthesis and durability of CNT based MEAs for PEMFC (Nanoduramea)

The objective of the project is to improve the durability of the membrane electrode assemblies of PEM fuel cells by studying the basic degradation phenomena of carbon supported Pt catalysts and perflourosulphonated proton conducting membranes. Improved catalysts are developed by using advanced carbon nanostructures including nanotubes (CNT), nanofibres (CNF) and nanobuds (CNB) as the support material and by alloying Pt with base metals, especially with Co and Cr. The surface properties of the carbon nanostructures are modified in order to facilitate for optimum deposition of Pt and Pt alloy nanoparticles on these supports as well as to prevent Pt nanoparticle growth on these surfaces. These advanced catalysts are characterized with different surface scientific methods, e.g. XRD, TEM, EDS and XPS, and dispersed into ionomer inks for MEA fabrication. Laboratory scale MEAs are prepared by spray coating and in-situ tested in FC single cell and multisinglecell setups. Standard electrochemical methods like CV and EIS as well as fluorine (FER) and sulphate (SER) emission rate measurements are used to study the MEA degradation. The experiments are designed and analyzed using a statistical software tool. AS an outcome, MEA durability improvements by factor of 2-3 in identical operation conditions can be expected