Fuel cell catalysts and membrane development at the CSIR: Presentation

Abstract

Fuel cells continue to be investigated as alternative energy source because of the high energy demand worldwide. Research activities worldwide are focussed on improving the performance of the catalysts, support material, membrane, MEA fabrication, and bipolar plates. These activities are aimed at lowering the cost, increasing the efficiency, and improving the durability of fuel cells hence accelerating the commercialisation of fuel cells. Various methods such as conventional physical and chemical, electrodeposition as well as sputtering methods are used in the preparation of catalysts. This presentation will cover electrocatalysts synthesis methods used at the CSIR such as the chemical method using NaBH4, ethylene glycol as reducing agents, microwave assisted polyol method and electrochemical atomic layer depostion. The work on the development of polymer membranes for application in fuel cells will also be discussed.