​Fuel Cell

This platform takes a novel approach to PEMFC design and optimization that encompasses materials, membrane-electrode assemblies (MEA), stacks, and testing in conditions representative of actual operation. The purpose is to speed up the transfer of new technologies; an aggressive intellectual property strategy has been set up to support this goal.

The platform has five labs:

Fuel-cell core and MEA: 

• Fabrication of membrane-electrode assemblies (MEA) for different stack designs

• Technology scaleup

• Fabrication process innovation

Fuel-cell core electrochemical characterization:

• Testing and characterization of MEAs (in individual cells or in stacks)

• Building databases to advance the platform's knowledge

Bipolar plate and stack assembly:

• The development of innovative bipolar plates at lab scale; prototyping

• Improvements to stack design and assembly to boost performance

• Implementation, development, and reliability of automated assembly tools

Fuel-cell systems:

• Development and production of systems for mobility

• Characterization of PEM and hybrid system prototypes

Testing and qualification:

• Electrical testing and data analysis

• Degradation analysis to lengthen lifespans and boost performance
  

• Local physical data acquisition from instrumented PEMFCs