Magnetically-Enhanced PEM Fuel Cells for Carbon Monoxide Containing Reformates

The proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) has the potential to be used as a portable power source for the military. The fuel cell would derive its fuel from a reformed liquid such as diesel, methanol or gasoline that, in addition to hydrogen, wouldproduce species such as CO that could poison the fuel cell anode catalyst. To overcome the poisoning problem, the team consisting of GINER ELECTROCHEMICAL SYSTEMS, LLC (GES) and the University of Iowa demonstrated in a Phase I STTR that magneticallymodified anode catalysts will tolerate the presence of the CO. In this Phase II program the University of Iowa and GES will continue to jointly develop the magnetically modified anode catalyst and related electrode structure. Modeling efforts will beconducted to identify the mechanism for increased CO tolerance. The goal is to minimize the voltage loss, compared to operation on H2/CO2, when operating with CO. Magnetically modified catalysts will be prepared, fabricated into complete membrane-electrodeassemblies and evaluated for tolerance to CO in a PEM hydrogen (reformate)/hydrogen test cell and a complete PEMFC. The program will culminate in a 1,000 hour life test of a 50W stack containing the magnetically modified catalyst. The magnetically modifiedanode catalyst can be used in dispersed power cogeneration facilities fueled by reformed natural gas. This would result in a much simpler and less costly system due to elimination of some of the gas cleanup apparatus. Military applications include mobileelectric power generators and, in conjunction with microreformers, portable power applications.