High-Throughput Discovery and Development of Bifunctional and Stable Reversible Fuel Cell Catalysts

To achieve a truly sustainable future, innovations in renewable technologies are critical. While the hydrogen economy and related technologies have made significant advancements over the past several decades, there are still a plethora of underdeveloped areas that require technological innovation. Reversible fuel cells (RFCs) are a stark example of this; as the hydrogen economy becomes increasingly ubiquitous, modular devices that can both harness hydrogen as fuel and replenish hydrogen using renewable energy will provide energy storage solutions that are difficult to accomplish using other technologies. RFCs can operate in both fuel cell mode (hydrogen to power) and electrolyzer mode (power to hydrogen), within a single device. While unitized RFCs will likely never displace discrete fuel cells and electrolyzers completely, their modularity allows them to fill many of the holes that are certain to arise as the hydrogen economy becomes an increasing portion of our energy infrastructure. Additionally, in comparison to redox flow batteries, which are similar in nature to RFCs, RFCs leverage a valuable energy storage medium in hydrogen gas. Unlike redox-flow batteries, if there is an excess of renewable energy compared to the required energy demand on a RFC, the hydrogen can be leveraged for other applications. Yet, as mentioned previously, RFCs are not yet commercially viable due to a number of factors, primarily the performance of the bifunctional catalyst materials required to operate an RFC. Mattiq’s technology is capable of quickly changing the current paradigm through the discovery and development of novel bifunctional catalyst materials that can massively change the commercial outlook of RFCs. In the near term, realizing performance and high RTEs is critical for commercial deployment of RFCs. In the long term, however, as supply chains for platinum group metals (PGMs) grow increasingly challenging, minimizing PGM loading while still achieving enticing performance will be crucial. Our technology allows us to consider both performance and PGM loading, meaning we can stay ahead of rising PGM costs and dwindling supplies of precious metals such as Pt and Ir. If successful, Phase I will lead to more optimal bifunctional cathode catalysts for RFCs that will reduce PGM loading at the cathode, decrease cell voltage during electrolyzer mode, increase round trip efficiencies during fuel cell mode, and increase cell stability over long durations. During Phase II, we will address an even more pressing issue by developing novel anode catalysts for RFCs, decreasing reliance on Ir, and improving RFC performance in the ways mentioned previously. Additionally, we will iteratively prototype RFC devices during Phase I, and increase these efforts during Phase II, ultimately leading to a commercially viable RFC that meet or surpass DOE target performance metrics. Mattiq will commercialize the discoveries made through this DOE funding with a commercial manufacturing and deployment partner. Due to the complex nature of RFC operation in the field, we anticipate significant overlap between suitable co-development partners and field operators (e.g., BASF, Plug Power, Honeywell UOP). Accordingly, we will capture economic upside from end-use operation. We will concurrently build relationships relevant to the deployment of RFCs (e.g., with utilities, independent system operators) in circumstances which they are required, for example in scenarios in which the grid is heavily reliant on renewable energy, offsetting the need for fossil fuel energy during downtime.