Seminar

Date 2015-03-03 
■ 제목 : PEM Fuel Cells for Sustainable Transportation
                   
■ 연사 : 조은애 교수(KAIST 신소재공학과)
 
■ 일시 : 3 3 ()  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.