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Reference Number EP/G009929/1
Title Nanoparticulate mixed metal oxides as electrode materials for Alkaline Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (APEMFCs)
Status Completed
Energy Categories Hydrogen and Fuel Cells(Fuel Cells) 100%;
Research Types Basic and strategic applied research 100%
Science and Technology Fields PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Chemistry) 100%
UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation Not Cross-cutting 100%
Principal Investigator Dr P Slater
No email address given
School of Chemistry
University of Birmingham
Award Type Standard
Funding Source EPSRC
Start Date 01 October 2008
End Date 31 December 2008
Duration 3 months
Total Grant Value £98,661
Industrial Sectors Energy
Region West Midlands
Programme Energy : Physical Sciences
 
Investigators Principal Investigator Dr P Slater , School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham (99.998%)
  Other Investigator Professor RCT (Robert ) Slade , Chemistry, University of Surrey (0.001%)
Dr JR (John ) Varcoe , Chemistry, University of Surrey (0.001%)
Web Site
Objectives
Abstract Interest in fuel cells has dramatically increased in recent years with the realisation of the tremendous strain developing on world energy resources. This, coupled with environmental concerns regarding the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, places great emphasis on the development of efficient and environmentally friendly energy systems, such as fuel cells. Low temperature fuel cells typically have a polymer membrane as the electrolyte, and traditionally research in the area of acidic membranes has tended to dominate the fuel cell literature. More recently internationally pioneering research at the University of Surrey into the development of highly conducting alkaline polymer electrolyte membranes has led to world-wide interest in alkaline polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (APEMFCs). The use of alkaline membranes rather than traditional acidic membranes confers a number of significant advantages. In particular, such alkaline membranes offer the potential for replacingexpensive precious metal (e.g. platinum) catalysts conventionally used with acidic membranes, with cheaper alternatives. The aim of this study is to investigate one such alternative, namely the potential of nanoparticulate mixed metal oxides as electrode materials for APEMFCs. The project will involve two complementary strands. In the first strand, the incorporation of the mixed metal oxides will be made with a view to reducing the level of precious metal catalysts needed, while the second more adventurous strand will involve the complete replacement of the precious metals. Both strategies offer the prospect for breakthrough reduction in the costs of these fuel cell systems
Publications (none)
Final Report (none)
Added to Database 04/06/08