STTR Phase I: Novel Deposition Process to Produce Bilayer Alloy Electrocatalysts for PEM Fuel Cells

This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project addresses the need for novel catalytic systems for electrochemical energy conversion technologies, specifically polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells, through an innovative bilayer electrocatalyst design and the ability to implement that design using a sophisiticated electrodeposition process. The project will demonstrate improvements in catalyst efficiency and cost through a bilayer electrocatalyst design that enables excellent control of the morphology, coating thickness, density, and the nature of the oxide layer on the catalyst surface, which is critical to the overall durability of the bilayer structure and its activity. This technology is enabling to PEM fuel cells for the automotive, portable and stationary power markets. The broader impact/commercial potential of this technology is the ability to address the needs of the emerging fuel cell industry, enabling cost-effective manufacture of a critical enabling component for PEM fuel cells.