Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | GR/S60709/01 | |
| Title | MEA development for DMFCS with radiation-grafted alkaline membranes | |
| 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 |
Professor RCT (Robert ) Slade No email address given Chemistry University of Surrey |
|
| Award Type | Standard | |
| Funding Source | EPSRC | |
| Start Date | 01 January 2004 | |
| End Date | 31 December 2006 | |
| Duration | 36 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £248,368 | |
| Industrial Sectors | No relevance to Underpinning Sectors | |
| Region | South East | |
| Programme | Materials, Mechanical and Medical Eng, Process Environment and Sustainability | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Professor RCT (Robert ) Slade , Chemistry, University of Surrey (100.000%) |
| Recognised Researcher | Dr JR (John ) Varcoe , Chemistry, University of Surrey (0.000%) |
|
| Web Site | ||
| Objectives | ||
| Abstract | Portable electronic devices involve rapidly increasing energy consumptions beyond levels achievable with future battery technologies. Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) inherently permit superior energy densities but current generation technologies, involving acid-form membranes, exhibit performances limited by methanol crossover and poor electrochemical kinetics. Innovative operation of DMFCs with alkali-form membranes will resolve these issues. A feasibility study with a radiation-grafted alkaline membrane has demonstrated superior and stable DMFC performance (over 100 h at 80C), compared to fully developed commercial acid-form membranes, when operated at low - medium current densities proving superior electrokinetics and reduced methanol crossover. Radiation-grafted alkali membranes will be optimised in this investigation (to reduce resistance and improve cell performance at high current densities) alongside full development of alkaline membrane electrode assemblies, including electrodes containing cheap non-platinum electrocatalysts. DMFCs utilising these assemblies will be constructed and fully evaluated. The stability at 80C extends application to the automotive mass-market. Success will lead to the U.K. to be at the technological forefront of a new class of fuel cell. The proposal is a quantum-step beyond previous strategies and investment involving acid-form membranes in which the applicants have been active participants | |
| Publications | (none) |
|
| Final Report | (none) |
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| Added to Database | 01/01/07 | |
