Selective Adsorbents for Fuel Cell Processors (1000-486)

Triton Systems Inc. responds to the Army's need for novel adsorbents that can selectively remove small molecule contaminants, or store hydrogen as produced by a fuel cell's processing system in order to support a 20-W Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEM-FC) for a minimum 72-hour operation. Current adsorbent technologies for contaminant removal and/or hydrogen storage in fuel cells are limited in their efficiency and selectivity. Highly selective and efficient adsorbents are needed in order to prevent poisoning of the PEM-FC electrocatalyst and to achieve targeted energy densities of the fuel processing system (i.e. 1.5kWhr/Kg). Triton Systems, with its partner Professor Mohamed Eddaoudi (University of South Florida), proposes to develop novel and robust Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) materials for the selective removal of small molecule contaminants and/or for the storage of hydrogen as produced by fuel cell processing systems. Synthesized materials will be tested for their capacity to adsorb H2, NH3, H2S and CO (using adsorption isotherms) over temperature and pressure ranges relevant to a compact fuel cell power systems. Adsorption hysteresis and chemical stability of the MOF materials over these same temperature and pressure ranges will also be measured.