For all the strides being made in hydrogen fuel cell transportation, we are still a long, long way from having hydrogen form a central pillar in our energy infrastructure. What would the UK look like with a hydrogen based transport sector? Is it even possible, let alone feasible? To try and answer that question, a…

Tailoring of microstructural evolution in impregnated SOFC electrodes

Prof. John Irvine The objective of this project is to develop and demonstrate solution methods for introducing the active constituents into SOFCs. If successful, the new approach could be applied to the manufacture of fuel cells that combine high performance with durability and resistance to contaminants. Methodologies will be developed to tailor impregnations over a…

Control of structure, strain and chemistry: route to designer interfaces in SOFCs

Prof. Stephen Skinner This project will provide unique insights into the processes that control charge transport at interfaces in fuel cells, and will provide routes to engineer optimized electrodes. The key objectives in this project are to: Determine surface chemistry of air-electrode environment interfaces under operating conditions (in operando). Relate catalytic activity to surface structure…

Electrodes by design – microstructural engineering of high performance electrodes for solid oxide fuel cells

Prof. Nigel Brandon The electrode, and the electrolyte-electrode interface, play a critical role in the performance of all cells. In Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) the microstructures of the porous composite anode and cathode are particularly critical, as they determine the electrochemical, electrical, mechanical and transport properties of the electrode, and of current distribution to/from…

Fuel Cell technologies for an ammonia economy

Dr Dan Brett (UCL) The main aim of this proposal is to offer a viable, competitive alternative to current PEM fuel cells and their hydrogen provision. Specifically, to increase the fuel flexibility of low-temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells through developing a state-of-the art anion membrane alkaline fuel cell, using hydrogen obtained from ammonia as the…

Novel diagnostic tools and techniques for monitoring and control of SOFC stacks – understanding mechanical and structural change

Prof. Nigel Brandon This proposal seeks to develop two novel diagnostic techniques, pioneered by UK researchers, and apply them to advanced cell testing and characterisation in conjunction with partners in South Korea. The measurements are used to validate models developed in the UK to relate the measured data to degradation and failure modes, transferring this…

Innovative concepts from electrodes to stacks

Prof. Anthony Kucernak (Imperial College) This project endeavors to develop new corrosion-resistant catalyst supports, and new techniques to catalyse those supports. To this end, Porous bipolar plates will be developed and integrated along with the catalysts within a fuel cell. The materials will be tested to assess their performance and longevity. X-ray tomography and other…

Reducing the cost and prolonging the durability of hydrogen fuel cell systems by in-situ hydrogen purification and technology hybridization (HyFCap)

Prof Xiao Guo The aim of this project is to develop a low-cost and durable power system by integrating hydrogen fuel cells and supercapacitors with in-situ gas purification. To this end, High surface area porous graphenes/MOFs/carbons based sorbents/membranes have been developed and assessed the H2/CO2/CH4 selectivity by means of single component absorption tests at room…

Flame Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, Simple Devices to Extract Electricity Directly from Natural Gas and Liquid Petroleum Gas Flames

Prof. Shanwen Tao The aim of this proposal is to demonstrate the capacity of direct flame solid oxide fuel cells (DFFCs) to extract electricity directly from natural gas and liquid petroleum gas (LPG) flames. We will demonstrate DFFCs which can be directly put in the flame of a burner/cooker to generate electricity with the application…

Engineering safe and efficient hydride-based technologies

Prof David Grant The aim of the project is to investigate and optimise metal hydride based technologies that are extremely compact but also have a high level of safety. A modular design will be adopted, where a module is sized for the smallest application (i.e. daily top-up for a commuter vehicle) capable of scale up….