PEMTASTIC

• Analysis of relevant truck driving profiles [->Symbio] to derive fuel cell operating protocols and stressors to be implemented on test rigs.

• Degradation tests in differential cells supported by physico-chemical material characterisation to ensure defined data for the parameterisation of degradation models [->CEA, DLR].

• Combination of micro- and mesoscale models as well as 1D and 2D cell models ->[ZHAW, DLR] to capture the influence of material parameters on performance and durability and to derive improvement recommendations for material and CCM parameters, which are iteratively adapted by the industrial partners.

• Implementation of new customised materials: advanced corrosion resistant support materials [->IMERYS] in combination with a novel catalyst deposition technique [->Heraeus] to mitigate the loss on the electrochemical surface area (ECSA). Prototypes of Nafion ionomers and membranes with high conductivity under dry conditions are used [->Chemours]. Finally, an improved cathode catalyst layer is developed taking into account the Pt particle size distribution and an optimised catalyst-ionomer interaction [->IRD]. A wide range of operating conditions is taken into account when selecting a commercially available gas diffusion layer (GDL).

• Validation of the final MEA and the concept of model-based MEA development in a short fuel cell stack at Technical Maturity Level 4 (TRL4) [->Symbio].

To overcome durability hurdle of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) and in line with the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) of the Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking, new application-tailored component materials, cell designs and operating strategies must be developed.

This is the purpose of the PEMSTATIC project which aims at bringing to technology readiness level (TRL) 4 the highly innovative concept of durable heavy duty membrane electrode assembly (MEA) derived from enhanced degradation models and addressing the different sub-components of the catalyst coated membrane (CCM) and their interactions.

Objective 1: Define fuel cell operation protocols and cycling tests for heavy duty application and propose operation strategy for high fuel efficiency

Objective 2: Parameterisation of degradation models to predict MEA lifetime and identify specific improvements of the CCM and its components

Objective 3: Development of robust catalyst support and deposition process for catalysts

Objective 4: Development of membrane and ionomer for operation at increased temperature

Objective 5: Catalyst layers and CCM with increased durability and state-of-the art performance tailored for heavy duty operation

Objective 6: Ensure the dissemination of the project results and the promotion of the project, through ad-hoc strategies through target groups and key stakeholders and define the exploitation strategy of the PEMTASTIC outcome

Tasks at DLR for this project