Magnetically-Modified Anode Catalyst

The proton-exchange membrane fuel cell has the potential to be used as a 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, would produce speciessuch as CO that could poison the fuel cell anode catalyst. To overcome the poisoning problem, a team consisting of GINER ELECTROCHEMICAL SYSTEMS, LLC and the University of Iowa has been put together to develop magnetically modified anode catalysts thatwill tolerate the presence of the CO. The University of Iowa, will draw on its background in magnetically modified materials, while GINER ELECTROCHEMICAL SYSTEMS, LLC, based on its experience in development of membrane-electrode assemblies, will jointlydevelop the anode catalyst and related electrode structure. The goal is to minimize the voltage drop, compared to operation on H2/CO2, when operating with CO. Magnetically modified catalysts will be prepared, fabricated into membrane-electrode assembliesand evaluated for tolerance to CO in a hydrogen/hydrogen test cell and a complete proton-exchange membrane fuel cell. Due to recent mandates requiring zero emission vehicles by the mid 2000s, there is potentially a large commercial market forproton-exchange membrane fuel cells with the magnetically modified anode catalyst. It can also be used in dispersed power cogeneration facilities fueled by reformed natural gas. Military applications include mobile electric power generators andtransportation applications.