Proton Conducting Fuel Cells where Electrochemistry Meets Material Science

Fuel cells are electrochemical devices which directly convert the chemical energy of fuels into electrical energy. They are featured of high energy conversion efficiency and minimized pollutant emission. Proton conducting electrolytes are primarily used as separator materials for low and intermediate temperature fuel cells.

High power density, lower temperature and dynamic modes of operation make the technology attractive for both automobile and stationary applications in particular in association with renewable energy sources. This talk starts with a brief introduction to the technology followed by a review of the state-of-the-art in terms of performance, lifetime and cost.

Technically faced challenges are then outlined on a system level and traced back to fundamental issues of the proton conducting mechanisms and materials. Perspectives and future research are sketched from a materials science point of view including novel proton conducting materials and non-precious metal catalysts.

The discussion will be made with highlights of DTU´s recent research and of course addressing a diverse technical audience.