A Combinatorial Approach to the Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Anode Materials For Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

61 A Combinatorial Approach to the Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Anode Materials For Direct Methanol Fuel Cells--Symyx Technologies, 420 Oakmead Parkway, Sunnyvale, CA 94086-4708; (408) 328-3100 Dr. W.H. Weinberg, Principal Investigator Mr. Isy Goldwasser, Business Official DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-97ER82492 Amount: $74,582 Fuel cells have the potential of generating electrical power with superior energy conversion efficiency and low or zero emissions. While there are several types of fuels cells, the direct methanol fuel cell may offer the most compelling characteristics for the automobile powerplant market. However, its technical and economic viability still hinges on several advances. The main issue is that materials costs must be reduced finding substitutes for the precious metal components in the electrocatalyst component of the fuel cell while maintaining high performance. To address this problem, this project will validate Symyx Technologies¿ combinatorial chemistry techniques in this area and use them to search for novel anode materials for methanol oxidation in fuel cells. This approach to materials research involves the use of fully automated technologies for the synthesis and subsequent evaluation of "libraries" containing large number of compounds. To validate the combinatorial technologies in Phase I, known anode materials will deposited on arrays of electrodes, using various proprietary techniques. A combination of parallel characterization techniques will be used to screen the arrays for electrochemical activity toward methanol oxidation. In Phase II the most successful techniques will be applied to a broad, multi-component exploration for novel anode materials. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: An eventual discovery of cheap, effective anodes will enable fuel cells to widely achieve their clean energy promise in automobiles and other applications._