| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/S60709/01 |
| Title: |
MEA development for DMFCS with radiation-grafted alkaline membranes |
| Principal Investigator: |
Slade, Professor RCT |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
Sch of Electronics & Physical Sciences |
| Organisation: |
University of Surrey |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
01 January 2004 |
Ends: |
31 December 2006 |
Value (£): |
248,368
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Electrochemical Science & Eng. |
Fuel Cell Technologies |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
| No relevance to Underpinning Sectors |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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Portable electronic devices involve rapidly increasing energy consumptions beyond levels achievable with future battery technologies. Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) inherently permit superior energy densities but current generation technologies, involving acid-form membranes, exhibit performances limited by methanol crossover and poor electrochemical kinetics. Innovative operation of DMFCs with alkali-form membranes will resolve these issues. A feasibility study with a radiation-grafted alkaline membrane has demonstrated superior and stable DMFC performance (over 100 h at 80C), compared to fully developed commercial acid-form membranes, when operated at low - medium current densities proving superior electrokinetics and reduced methanol crossover. Radiation-grafted alkali membranes will be optimised in this investigation (to reduce resistance and improve cell performance at high current densities) alongside full development of alkaline membrane electrode assemblies, including electrodes containing cheap non-platinum electrocatalysts. DMFCs utilising these assemblies will be constructed and fully evaluated. The stability at 80C extends application to the automotive mass-market. Success will lead to the U.K. to be at the technological forefront of a new class of fuel cell. The proposal is a quantum-step beyond previous strategies and investment involving acid-form membranes in which the applicants have been active participants.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.surrey.ac.uk |