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Nanofiber
Paper for Fuel Cells and Catalyst Supports--Inorganic Specialists, Inc.,
965 Capstone Dr., Miamisburg, OH 45343;
937-865-4491; www.inorganicspecialists.com
Dr. David Firsich,
Principal Investigator, firsich@COAX.net
Dr. David Firsich,
Business Official, firsich@COAX.net
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-07ER84799
Amount: $99,558
A
dramatic improvement in hydrogen fuel cell cathode performance will be needed
before the technology can be considered viable and used to create a hydrogen
economy. The use of carbon nanotubes as catalyst supports could produce outstanding
leaps in performance and catalyst utilization, but three problems are
associated with their use: (1) cost and
availability, (2) no simple manufacturing method for making a practical
product, and (3) its smooth basal plane surface (which provides few anchoring
points for binding catalyst particles).
The latter problem requires that the nanotubes
be pitted or abraded using strong oxidants, in order to generate features that
foster a well-dispersed catalyst distribution).
This project will solve all three problems with an inexpensive ($100/lb)
nanofiber that is well-suited for catalyst
binding. The nanofiber
will be processed into a catalyst support using a straightforward, wet-laid
papermaking procedure that is ideal for continuous manufacturing. In previous work, the nanofiber
was modified with special surface chemistry that promotes catalyst
activity. In initial testing, a cathode
made with a thin nanofiber layer exhibited over three
times the catalyst utilization compared to state-of-the-art procecures. Phase I will concentrate on the cathode only,
defining the best combination of nanofiber layer
thickness, composition, and ionomer content. Phase II will involve both electrodes and
continuous manufacturing
Commercial
Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: Fuel-cell-related applications for this technology include
conventional hydrogen PEM cells, cells that work above 100 degrees C, methanol
fuel cells, and also water electrolysis or ammonia electrolysis for producing
hydrogen. The ability to tailor the
product’s composition with additives will enable applications such as catalyst
supports, composites, electromagnetic shielding, lithium-ion anodes, and
electrochemical capacitors. The nanofiber’s low cost and bulk availability should make it
practical to pursue continuous papermaking.