Seminar
■ 제목 : PEM Fuel Cells for Sustainable Transportation
■ 연사 : 조은애 교수(KAIST 신소재공학과)
■ 일시 : 3월 3일 (화) 16:00
■ 장소 : 응용공학동(W1) 1층 영상강의실
■ Abstract : Fuel cells, a power generation system to
convert chemical energy of fuels (H2, CH4, CH3OH, HCOOH, etc.) to electricity
directly by electrochemical reactions, are an emerging technology that can
provide heat and electricity for buildings and electrical power for vehicles
and electronic devices. Among various types of fuel cell, polymer electrolyte
membrane (PEM) fuel cells powered by hydrogen from secure and renewable sources
are the ideal solution for non-polluting vehicles. Extensive research and
development on all aspects of this technology delivered prototype fuel cell
vehicles to streets with impressive performance. However, taking the step
towards successful commercialization requires reduction in cost and extension
in lifespan of the automotive fuel cells.
PEM fuel cells comprise of membrane-electrode assemblies (MEAs), bipolar
plates, and gas diffusion layers (GDLs). MEAs in which anode hydrogen oxidation
reaction (HOR) and cathode oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) occur to produce
electricity play the most crucial role in determining the cost and lifespan of
PEM fuel cells. Most HOR and ORR catalysts are based on Pt (in the form of
nanoparticles dispersed on carbon black supports), with the high price of this
scarce precious metal having a decisive impact on costs. Thus, reducing or
replacing Pt usage might be the breakthrough technology for the fuel cell
vehicles to be economically competitive. In this talk, status and challenges of
PEM fuel cell technology will be discussed with recent progress in catalyst
developments.