SBIR-STTR Award

Nanocomposite Membranes for High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Award last edited on: 11/2/2004

Sponsored Program
STTR
Awarding Agency
DOE
Total Award Amount
$99,901
Award Phase
1
Solicitation Topic Code
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Principal Investigator
Xin Wang

Company Information

Pacific Fuel Cell Corporation (AKA: Magnum Ventures, Inc~RadioTower.com, Inc.)

131 North Tustin Avenue Suite 100
Tustin, CA 92780
   (714) 564-1693
   contact@pfce.net
   www.pfce.net

Research Institution

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Phase I

Contract Number: ----------
Start Date: ----    Completed: ----
Phase I year
2004
Phase I Amount
$99,901
Elevating the working temperatures of the fuel cell could drastically reduce or eliminate poisoning and greatly improve electrode kinetics for oxygen reduction. However, the problem with high temperature operation is the loss of proton conductivity due to the dehydration of the Nafion membrane. This project will develop a nanomaterial-based composite membrane that can retain high proton conductivity and mechanical strength at elevated temperature. The synthesis of the composite membrane will achieved by first synthesizing proton conducting nanoparticles, and then introducing this nanomaterial during membrane preparation. In Phase I, the membrane will be characterized, and the feasibility of using these membranes to provide improved power output at a temperature of 130°C will be demonstrated.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee:
By reducing the requirements on fuel purity and enhanced power output, the technology should accelerate the commercialization of polymer electrolyte fuel cells for both transportation and stationary applications

Phase II

Contract Number: ----------
Start Date: ----    Completed: ----
Phase II year
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Phase II Amount
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