CRESCENDO will initiate a non-PGM discussion group with selected high-level groups from IPHE countries, involving:
DoE ELECTROCAT consortium, USA: The Electrocatalysis Consortium (ElectroCat) is an initiative to accelerate the development of catalysts made without platinum group metals (PGM-free) for use in automotive fuel cell applications. Current state-of-the-art fuel cell systems rely on platinum-based catalysts that make up nearly 50% of the total fuel cell cost. ElectroCat aims to bring together a network of enduring tools and expertise across the National Laboratory network under a streamlined, single point of contact interface that makes it easy for industry and academic partners to quickly gain access to the Consortium.
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→ ElectroCat: DOE's Approach to PGM-Free Catalyst and Electrode R&D, Adria Wilson, FCTO Technology Manager (21st International Conference on Solid State Ionics, June 19, 2017): PDF
University of New Mexico, USA: UNM technologies and in particular, Prof Plamen Atanasov group, are focused on the development of a non-platinum electrocatalyst for fuel cells, materials and technologies for micro-power sources, biological fuel cells and energy harvesting systems design
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Tufts University, USA: Collaboration is planned with the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the group of Dr. Iryna Zenyuk's focusing on fundamental understanding and design of next-generation fuel cells, electrolyzers and batteries. The specific focus is on the transport properties within the porous medial of these electrochemical technologies. The research strategy employs a combination of novel materials, experimental diagnostic techniques and multi-scale theoretical and modeling works. Current research interests include
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Argonne National Laboratory, USA: Electrocat group, led by Dr Deborah Myers in the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Materials group addresses the two main issues facing the widespread deployment of PEFC power systems: cost and durability. The group’s research also addresses one of the main issues facing the use of fuel cells for transportation applications: lack of suitable high capacity hydrogen storage materials. The group is also accelerating the development of PGM-free catalysts by developing and utilizing high-throughput materials synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation equipment and methodologies. The foundation of this research are the capabilities within the Chemical Sciences and Engineering division’s high-throughput research laboratory. This activity is a cornerstone of the Department of Energy’s ElectroCat research consortium, which is co-led by Argonne and Los Alamos National Laboratory with Prof. Pior. Zelenay.
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Kyushu University, Japan: The mission of International Institute for Carbon-neutral Energy Research (I2CNER) and in particular the Electrochemical Energy Conversion Division with Prof. Stephen Lyth, is to contribute to the creation of a sustainable and environmentally friendly society by advancing fundamental science to reduce CO2 emissions and establish a non-fossil based energy carrier system. In this context, Prof. Lyth works on the synthesis and application of a novel form of graphene to a variety of carbon-neutral areas such as fuel cell cathodes / catalysts, proton conducting membranes, hydrogen storage, and CO2 conversion.
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