6000010507 Engineering Novel Bi-functional Electrocatalysts for Unitized Regenerative PEM Fuel Cells
Abstract
A power generator for unmanned undersea vehicle (UUV) based on unitized regenerative proton exchange membrane fuel cell (UR-PEMFC) w,ith rated power of >=1.5Watt (W)/sq. cm @0.7Volt (V) and target performance of >300milliAmp (mA)/ sq. cm @0.7V and durability of ~50,roposed in this project. To achieve the technical targets, this proposal exploits theoretical methods (computational electrochemistr,y combined with fluid dynamics approaches) to aid experimental design of the universal membrane electrode assembly (MEA) via optimiz,ation of electrode layer thicknesses and electro catalysts (ECs) loading using the principal investigators (PIs) developed novel b,i-functional ECs for developing up to 120 sq. cm area MEA working reversibly in UR-PEMFC system. --Capitalizing on published results, of the PIs team, the current proposal focuses on two key innovative bi-functional ECs, the first being a fully platinum group meta,l (PGM)-free 10wt.% F-doped Cu1.5Mn1.5O4 :10F for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) demonstrat,ing excellent acidic performance for OER outperforming state-of-the-art (SOA) noble IrO2 while comparable with Pt/C for ORR. The sec,ond bi-functional electro catalyst is low PGM containing alloy, Co0.6Ir0.4, with excellent electro catalytic activity and durability, foracidic hydrogen oxidation (HOR) and evolution (HER) reactions outperforming Pt/C. Thus, preliminary results of the PIs team cle,arly reflect promising responses of these newly created inventive ECs for hydrogen-oxygen generation by PEMWE and power generation v,ia PEMFC within a unitized regenerative PEMFC device meeting the targeted 40W power and 12 V, voltage out puts. To achieve the prop,osed objectives of the targeted power and durability values of UR-PEMFC and desired fuel delivery by PEMWE subsystem, the present pr,oposal will comprise the following four main thrust areas: (1) Develop the bi-functional ECs and optimize parameters for individual, PEMFC and PEMWE to demonstrate workability of the electrocat alysts for both devices; (2) Use integrated computational and experime,ntal approaches to design and develop single universal MEAs that will be suitable for both PEMFC and PEMWE single cell operation; (3,ified flow rates, oxygen/hydrogen ratios, and other design parameters to achieve the expected target current and power densities; an,d (4) Scale up of the developed UR-PEMFC from 5 sq. cm to 40 sq. ,so focuson universal MEA durability studies involving high performance MEA electrode testing under high power density and field test, conditions. --The proposed experimental, theoretical and simulation design approaches will increase the understanding of the degrad,ation mechanisms of the universal MEAs while improving the durability of the lowercost UR-PEMFC under realistic conditions. Success,ful project completion will yield PEMWE derived H2 and O2 gas feeds for PEMFC operation within a single UR-PEMFC unit displaying: (a,) Targeted current density (>=300 mA/sq. cm) and maximum power density (>=1.5W/sq. cm), (b) Compact lightweight, economical and cost,-effective UR-PEMFC ($35/kWnet), (c) Durability in UUV drive cycle (~5000 hour) and startup/shutdown durability (5000 cycles). Based, on the development of high-power UR-PEMFC driven by PEMWE fuel delivery subsystem (H2+O2), the proposed work will thus, offer an in,novative power generation technology for meeting the increasing demand of UUV of the U.S. Department of the Navy while also greatly, contributing to the success of the UUV mission of the Office of the Naval Research (ONR).*Approved for public release*
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2022
- Source ID
- N000142212081
Entities
People
- Prashant N Kumta
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Pittsburgh