Proton and water transport in functionalised porous electrode structures (A02)

• Subject Area: Inorganic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation ; Physical Chemistry of Solids and Surfaces, Material Characterisation
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 492723217

In gas diffusion electrodes (GDE) used in fuel cells, multiple transport pathways of different carrier types need to be understood and coupled effectively. We will design porous GDEs, based on M/N-SiC(N) catalyst materials, which facilitate the coupled transport of protons, electrons, and water while the phosphoric acid matrix is immobilized inside the pore network, close to the catalyst particles. Multiple material parameters, including the framework porosity and chemical functionality, will systematically be varied to understand their impact on the mass, ion and electron transport and fuel cell performance.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1585: Structured functional materials for multiple transport in nanoscale confinements
• Applicant Institution: Universität Bayreuth
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Rhett Kempe; Professorin Dr.-Ing. Christina Roth