Lee S., Breitkopf R., Hwang J., Faguy P., Hunt A.
MicroCoating Technologies, Inc., US
Keywords: energy, fuel cells
An innovative atomizer, capable of producing sub-micron size droplets, in conjunction with Combustion Chemical Vapor Deposition (CCVD), a flame based technique have demonstrated the capability to produce nanoscale hybrid materials with morphological, compositional and internal interfacial properties unique from any existing technology. Conformal nanocomposite films were deposited on gas diffusion media for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) applications. These coatings ranged in composition from pure Nafion® to silica rich and demonstrated blending at the nanoscale level. Furthermore, preliminary electrochemical measurements indicate that the ionic conductivity and transport properties vary as expected for an ionomer/metal oxide nanocomposite. These composite electroctalyst layers also exhibit lower polarization losses in slow sweep potentiodynamic oxygen reduction experiments when compared to electrocatalyst layers prepared with pure ionomer films when in the presence of methanol.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Technical Proceedings of the 2003 Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 3
Published: February 23, 2003
Pages: 486 - 489
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Energy & Sustainability
Topic: Fuel cells & Hydrogen
ISBN: 0-9728422-2-5