Projects

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is a part of key strategy for climate change mitigation and post-pandemic economic recovery, especially for transport application, requiring compact and lightweight power systems. Bipolar plate is a key component of PEMFCs and a bottleneck to the size and weight reduction. The proposed research therefore aims to develop next generation lightweight and compact bipolar plate for PEMFCs that is also easy for manufacturing processing.

Data-based models are considered black-box models which are quite in contrast with the physics-based models where the entire input-output relations of the model are established primarily based on the experimental/simulation data using statistics, probability, and network architecture.  This aids in avoiding the complexities of physics-based models, intensive calibration, and also provides better accuracy in most cases.

The Reconstruction of the 3D catalyst layer microstructure from 2D SEM images using stochastic methods. A random walk algorithm was implemented for obtaining the effective Knudsen diffusion coefficient from 3D reconstructed structures. Experimental characterization of catalyst layer structural properties such as pore size distribution, surface area, and effective transport coefficients. Modeling of mass transport in reconstructed structure using a pore-network approach and finite-volume method.

This 3-neck flask contains the ingredients needed to synthesize a platinum/carbon (Pt/C) catalyst using a one-pot (or one-step) method. Inside the flask are the platinum precursor (a compound containing Pt), carbon support material, and various other chemicals/solvents to control the formation of Pt nanoparticles.