STTR Phase I: Low-Cost Manufacturing of Fuel Cell Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEAs) with High Dispersed Catalyst

This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project will advance the development of the high frequency pulse/pulse reverse electrodeposition process for the catalyzation of membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. The Phase II objectives/research tasks include: (1) fabrication and testing of a Betascale reel-to-reel manufacturing line which will be used to catalyze full-size gas diffusion electrodes; (2) optimization of the electrode structure and the deposition process on full size gas diffusion electrodes; and, (3) characterization of the MEA performance and relationship to the catalyst size and location and deposition process parameters. The anticipated results of the Phase II program are a marketable manufacturing process in the form of a Beta-scale reel-to-reel manufacturing line incorporating the pulse/pulse reverse catalyzation process. This STTR Phase II project addresses the needs of the emerging fuel cell industry, enabling the cost-effective manufacture of a critical component of PEM fuel cells. More specifically, this process enables production of MEAs withFaward specific cost-performance targets for a range of applications. This product/process technology is enabling to PEM fuel cells for the automotive, portable and stationary power markets.