2007 Annual Progress Report

V. Fuel Cells

This section of the 2007 Progress Report for the DOE Hydrogen Program focuses on fuel cells.

Fuel Cells Sub-Program Overview, Nancy L. Garland, U.S. Department of Energy

A. Analysis/Characterization

  1. Fuel Cell Systems Analysis, Rajesh K. Ahluwalia, Argonne National Laboratory
  2. Neutron Imaging Study of the Water Transport in Operating Fuel Cells, Muhammad Arif, National Institute of Standards and Technology
  3. Microstructural Characterization Of PEM Fuel Cell MEAs, Karren L. More, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
  4. Applied Science for Electrode Cost, Performance, and Durability, Bryan Pivovar, Los Alamos National Laboratory
  5. Cost Analysis of Fuel Cell Stack/Systems, Stephen Lasher, TIAX LLC
  6. Mass Production Cost Estimation for Direct H2 PEM Fuel Cell Systems for Automotive Applications, Brian D. James, Directed Technologies, Inc.
  7. Component Benchmarking - Subtask Reported: USFCC Durability Protocol Development and Technical Assistance to Fuel Cell Component Developers, Tommy Rockward, Los Alamos National Laboratory
  8. Montana Palladium Research Initiative: Detection of Trace Platinum Group Element Particulates with Laser Spectroscopy, S.C. Snyder, Montana State University-BillingsFuel Cell Testing at Argonne National Laboratory, Ira Bloom, Argonne National Laboratory
  9. Fuel Cell Testing at Argonne National Laboratory, Ira Bloom, Argonne National Laboratory
  10. Development of Novel Proton Conducting Membrane Materials and CFD Multi-Phase Porous Flow Models for PEM Fuel Cells, K.J. Berry, Kettering University
  11. PEM Fuel Cell Freeze Durability and Cold Start Project, Tim Patterson, UTC Power
  12. Montana Palladium Research Initiative: PEMFC Field Trials, Dr. David McGinnis, Montana State University-Billings

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B. Bipolar Plates

  1. Next Generation Bipolar Plates for Automotive PEM Fuel Cells, Orest L. Adrianowycz, GrafTech International Ltd.
  2. Nitrided Metallic Bipolar Plates, Michael P. Brady, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
  3. Carbon-Carbon Bipolar Plates, David Haack, Porvair Advanced Materials, Inc.

     

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    C. BOP

    1. Complex Coolant Fluid for PEM Fuel Cells, Satish C. Mohapatra, Dynalene Inc.

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    D. Catalysts

    1. Nanostructured, Metal-Ion Modified Ceria and Zirconia Oxidation Catalysts, Maria Flytzani-Stephanopoulos, Tufts University
    2. Nanostructured Metal Carbide Catalysts for the Hydrogen Economy, Ram Seshadri, University of California
    3. Development and Mechanistic Characterization of Alloy Fuel Cell Catalysts, Anders Nilsson, Stanford Linear Accelerator Center
    4. Atomic-Scale Design of a New Class of Alloy Catalysts for Reactions Involving Hydrogen: A Theoretical and Experimental Approach, Manos Mavrikakis, University of Wisconsin-Madison
    5. Metal and Metal Oxide-Supported Platinum Monolayer Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction, Radoslav Adzic, Brookhaven National Laboratory
    6. Strategies for Probing Nanometer-Scale Electrocatalysts: From Single Particles to Catalyst-Membrane Architectures, Carol Korzeniewski, Texas Tech University
    7. Reactivity and Stability of Multimetallic Nanocatalysts in Acid Medium, Perla B. Balbuena, Texas A&M University
    8. Studies of Model Electrocatalysts for Fuel-Cell Cathodes, H. You, Argonne National Laboratory
    9. High Performance Nano-Crystalline Oxide Fuel Cell Materials: Defects, Structures, Interfaces, Transport, and Electrochemistry, S.A. Barnett, Northwestern University
    10. Silane Activation by Transition Metal Catalysts for Hydrogen Storage, Mahdi M. Abu-Omar, Purdue University
    11. Nanoscale Building Blocks for Multi-Electron Electrocatalysis, Gilbert M. Brown, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
    12. eNMR for In-Situ Fuel Cell Catalyst Characterization, Daniel A. Buttry, University of Wyoming
    13. Nanostructured Catalysts for Hydrogen Generation from Renewable Feedstocks, Abhaya Datye, University of New Mexico
    14. Novel Intermetallic Catalysts to Enhance PEM Membrane Durability, Francis J. DiSalvo, Cornell University
    15. Nanoporous Metal Membranes with Monolayer-Thick Precious Metal Catalyst Skins, Jonah Erlebacher, Johns Hopkins University
    16. A Surface Stress Paradigm for Studying and Developing Catalyst and Storage Materials Relevant to the Hydrogen Economy, C. Friesen, Arizona State University
    17. Cathode Catalysis in Hydrogen/Oxygen Fuel Cells, Andrew A. Gewirth, University of Illinois
    18. Hydrogen Storage Materials with Binding Intermediate Between Physisorption and Chemisorption, Gregory J. Kubas, Los Alamos National Laboratory
    19. Novel Reforming Catalysts, Lisa Pfefferle, Yale University
    20. Instability of Noble Metal Catalysts in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: Experiments and Theory, Yang Shao-Horn, MIT
    21. Nanostructured Catalysts for Fuel Cells, Shane Street, University of Alabama
    22. Dehydrogenation of Boron Nanostructures, Michael Trenary, University of Illinois at Chicago
    23. Multiscale Tailoring of Highly Active and Stable Nanocomposite Catalysts for the Production of Clean Hydrogen Streams, Gotz Veser, University of Pittsburgh
    24. An Integrated Approach Toward Rational Nanocatalyst Design For Hydrogen Production, Dionisios (Dion) Vlachos, University of Delaware
    25. The Reactivity and Structural Dynamics of Supported Metal Nanoclusters Using Electron Microscopy, in situ X-Ray Spectroscopy, Electronic Structure Theories, and Molecular Dynamics Simulations, Judith Yang, University of Pittsburgh

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    E. Catalysts

    1. Novel Approach to Non-Precious Metal Catalysts, Radoslav Atanasoski, 3M Company
    2. Novel Non-Precious Metals Catalysts for PEMFC: Catalyst Selection through Molecular Modeling and Durability Studies, Branko N. Popov, University of South Carolina
    3. Combinatorial Method for Developing Cathode Catalysts for Fuel Cells, Keith D. Kepler, Farasis Energy, Inc.
    4. Advanced Cathode Catalysts and Supports for PEM Fuel Cells, Mark K. Debe, 3M Company
    5. Highly Dispersed Alloy Cathode Catalyst for Durability, Tom Jarvi, UTC Power
    6. Advanced Cathode Catalysts, Piotr Zelenay, Los Alamos National Laboratory
    7. Non-Platinum Bimetallic Cathode Electrocatalysts, Deborah J. Myers, Argonne National Laboratory
    8. Development of Alternative and Durable High Performance Cathode Supports for PEM Fuel Cells, Yong Wang, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

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    F. Cross-Cutting

    1. Fuel Cell Research at the University of South Carolina, John W. Van Zee, University of South Carolina

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    G. Demonstration

    1. International Stationary Fuel Cell Demonstration, John Vogel, Plug Power
    2. Stationary Fuel Cell System Development/Demonstration, Troy H. Scriven, Plug Power, Inc.

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    H. Distributed Energy

    1. Development and Demonstration of a New-Generation High Efficiency 2-5 kW Stationary Fuel Cell System, Durai Swamy, Intelligent Energy

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    I. Electrolysis

    1. Development and Test of Low-Cost Co-Production of Hydrogen and Electricity, Fred Mitlitsky, Bloom Energy Corporation

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    J. Hardware

    1. Low Cost Durable Seals for PEMFC, Jason Parsons, UTC Power

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    K. Impurities

    1. Effects of Impurities on Fuel Cell Performance and Durability, Trent M. Molter, University of Connecticut
    2. Effects of Impurities on Fuel Cell Performance and Durability, James G. Goodwin, Jr., Clemson University
    3. Effects of Fuel and Air Impurities on PEM Fuel Cell Performance, Fernando H. Garzon, Los Alamos National Laboratory

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    L. Innovative Concepts

    1. Development of a 5 kW Prototype Coal-Based Fuel Cell, Steven S.C. Chuang, University of Akron
    2. Adaptive Stack With Subdivided Cells for Improved Stability, Reliability, and Durability Under Automotive Load Cycle, Bin Du, Plug Power, Inc.
    3. Light-Weight, Low Cost PEM Fuel Cell Stacks, Jesse S. Wainright, Case Western Reserve University
    4. Low-Cost Manufacturable Microchannel Systems for Passive PEM Water Management, Ward TeGrotenhuis, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
    5. PEMFC Using Aligned Carbon Nanotubes as Electrodes in MEA, Di-Jai Lu, Argonne National Laboratory

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    M. Membranes

    1. Improved, Low-Cost, Durable Fuel Cell Membranes, Michel Foure, Arkema Inc.
    2. Membranes and MEA's for Dry, Hot Operating Conditions, Steven Hamrock, 3M Company
    3. New Polyelectrolyte Materials for High Temperature Fuel Cells, John B. Kerr, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
    4. Development of Polybenzimidazole-Based High Temperature Membrane and Electrode Assemblies for Stationary Applications, John Vogel, Plug Power
    5. Development of a Low-Cost, Durable Membrane and Membrane Electrode Assembly for Stationary and Mobile Fuel Cell Application, Michel Foure, Arkema Inc.
    6. MEA and Stack Durability for PEM Fuel Cells, Michael Yandrasits, 3M Company
    7. Improved Membrane Materials for PEM Fuel Cell Applications, Kenneth A. Mauritz, University of Southern Mississippi
    8. Poly(p-phenylene sulfonic acids): PEMs with Frozen-In Free Volume, Morton Litt, Case Western Reserve University
    9. Poly(cyclohexadiene)-Based Polymer Electrolyte Membranes for Fuel Cell Applications, Jimmy W. Mays, University of Tennessee
    10. Microstructural Design and Development of High Performance Polymer Electrolyte Membranes, Denise Katona, Chemsultants International Inc.
    11. Lead Research and Development Activity for DOE's High Temperature, Low Relative Humidity Membrane Program (HTMWG) Year 1 Annual Report, Darlene K. Slattery, University of Central Florida
    12. Protic Salt Polymer Membranes: High-Temperature Water-Free Proton-Conducting Membranes, Don Gervasio, Arizona State University
    13. Novel Approaches to Immobilized Heteropoly Acid (HPA) Systems for High Temperature, Low Relative Humidity Polymer-Type Membranes, Andrew Herring, Colorado School of Mines
    14. High Temperature Membrane With Humidification-Independent Cluster Structure, Ludwig Lipp, FuelCell Energy, Inc.
    15. Design and Development of High Performance Polymer Fuel Cell Membranes , Ryo Tamaki, GE Global Research
    16. Fluoroalkylphosphonic Acid-based Proton Conductors, Stephen Creager, Clemson University
    17. Dimensionally Stable Membranes, Cortney Mittelsteadt, Giner Electrochemical Systems, LLC
    18. New Proton Conductive Composite Materials with Co-Continuous Phases Using Functionalized and Crosslinkable VDF/CTFE Fluoropolymers, Serguei Lvov, Pennsylvania State University
    19. Advanced Materials for Proton Exchange Membranes, James E. McGrath, Virginia Tech
    20. Dimensionally Stable High Performance Membrane, Han Liu, Giner Electrochemical Systems, LLC
    21. NanoCapillary Network Proton Conducting Membranes for High Temperature Hydrogen/Air Fuel Cells, Peter N. Pintauro, Case Western Reserve University

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    N. Membranes

    1. Transport Phenomena and Interfacial Kinetics in Planar Microfluidic Membraneless Fuel Cells, Hector D. Abruna, Cornell University
    2. The Development of Nano-Composite Electrodes for Natural Gas-Assisted Steam Electrolysis for Hydrogen Production, Raymond J. Gorte, University of Pennsylvania
    3. Nanocomposite Proton Conductors, Lutgard C. De Jonghe, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
    4. Proton Exchange Membranes for Next Generation Fuel Cells, Joseph DeSimone, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    5. Water Nanochannels in Nafion®: Quantitative Scattering Analysis and NMR, Klaus Schmidt-Rohr, Iowa State University
    6. Charge Transfer, Transport, and Reactivity in Complex Molecular Environments: Theoretical Studies for the Hydrogen Fuel Initiative, Michel Dupuis, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
    7. Polymer Functionalized Zeolite Proton Exchange Membrane (PFZ-PEM) for Medium Temperature (>120°C) Fuel Cells from Theory, Simulation, and Experiment, William A. Goddard III, California Institute of Technology
    8. Computer Simulation of Proton Transport in Fuel Cell Membranes, Gregory A. Voth, Department of Chemistry
    9. Porous and Glued Langmuir-Blodgett Membranes, Steven L. Regen, Lehigh University
    10. Sol-Gel Based Polybenzimidazole Membranes for Hydrogen Pumping Devices, Brian C. Benicewicz, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
    11. New Proton-Conducting Fluoropolymer Electrolytes for PEM Fuel Cells, Stephen E. Creager, Clemson University
    12. Hydrogen Purification Using Advanced Polymeric Membranes, Benny D. Freeman, University of Texas at Austin
    13. Carbon Nanotube Materials for Substrate Enhanced Control of Catalytic Activity, Michael J. Heben, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
    14. Surface-Initiated Ionomer Films Based on Modified Poly(n-alkylnorbornene)s, G. Kane Jennings, Vanderbilt University
    15. A Unified Computational, Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of Proton Transport through the Electrode/Electrolyte Interface of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Systems, David J. Keffer, University of Tennessee
    16. Fundamentals of Hydroxide Conducting Systems for Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers, Bryan Pivovar, Los Alamos National Laboratory
    17. Ab Initio Screening of Ternary Alloys for Hydrogen Purification, David S. Sholl, Carnegie Mellon University
    18. Electrostatically Self-assembled Amphiplexes, Helmut H. Strey, Stony Brook University
    19. Theory, Modeling, and Simulation of Ion Transport in Ionomer Membranes, Philip L. Taylor, Case Western Reserve University
    20. Preparation of Composite Fuel Cell Membranes Containing Electric Field Aligned Inorganic Particles, Matthew Yates, University of Rochester

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    O. Portable Power

    1. Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Prototype Demonstration for Consumer Electronic Applications, Robert K. Sievers, MTI Micro Fuel Cells

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    P. Recycling

    1. Platinum Recycling Technology Development, Dr. Stephen Grot, Ion Power, Inc.
    2. Platinum Group Metal Recycling Technology Development, Lawrence Shore, BASF Catalysts LLC
    3. Market Opportunity Assessment for Direct Hydrogen PEM Fuel Cells in Pre-Automotive Markets, Kathya Mahadevan, Battelle Memorial Institute

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    Q. Water Management

    1. CIRRUS - Subfreezing Start/Stop Protocol for an Advanced Metallic Open-Flowfield Fuel Cell Stack, James Cross, Nuvera Fuel Cells Inc.

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    R. Water Transport

    1. Visualization of Fuel Cell Water Transport and Performance Characterization under Freezing Conditions, Satish Kandlikar, Rochester Institute of Technology
    2. Water Transport in PEM Fuel Cells: Advanced Modeling, Material Selection, Testing, and Design Optimization, J. Vernon Cole, CFD Research Corporation
    3. Water Transport Exploratory Studies, Rod Borup, Los Alamos National Laboratory

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