Fuel Cell Electrochemical Process

INTRODUCTION

The proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) technology is receiving a great deal of attention for the last several years because of its specific advantages over other type of fuel cells. The proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell is very simple and uses a polymer (membrane) as the solid electrolyte and a platinum catalyst. The hydrogen from a pressurized cylinder enters the anode of the fuel cell and the oxygen (from air) enters the cathode. Protons and electrons are separated from hydrogen on the anode side. In a basic PEMFC, the protons are transported to the cathode side through the polymer and the electrons are conducted through the load outside the electrode. The membrane is generally placed between two electrodes, i.e. between the anode and cathode. The protons thus produced can migrate from the anode to cathode where the protons react with oxygen to produce water and heat. The liquid electrolyte systems can be overpowered by solid proton exchange membranes due to the unique features of the solid proton exchange membrane, which include easy handling, compact, amenable to mass production, and excellent resistance to the permeation of gaseous reactants.

Nafion is the most commonly used material in PEMFC membranes, and has attracted considerable attention because of its high ion conductivity under fully hydrated conditions and good chemical and mechanical stability. However, the ion conductivity of Nafion is largely dependent on the presence of water. Consequently, the operational temperature is limited to below 100 °C. Besides, nafion is so expensive as well as the platinum catalyst that are used.

This Fuel Cell Electrochemical Process’s (FCEP) research group is headed by Professor Dr. Abu Bakar Mohamad. This group has been established since the SELFUEL has been started operating. This group consists of 12 members, including researchers and the students now. The research activities of FCEP focused on the development of new and effective proton electrolyte membranes with high temperature resistant and electro-alternative catalysts that able to replace the expensive platinum catalyst. Besides, the aim of FCEP is to produce high performance membrane electrode assembly (MEA).

Research works conducted by this group including: (i) the study of the development of alternative electrolyte membranes (Nafion/ZrO2/RhO2 composite membrane) to replace the commercial Nafion membrane in the MEA. (ii) The study of the use of the composite catalyst is platinum / carbon-ruthenium, no noble metal catalyst nano-structured (Organo-metal or metal catalysts), and nano-sized organic catalysts which can replace the use of platinum (Pt) as catalyst and (iii) Optimization of the gas diffusion layer (GDL) and catalyst layer by means of spraying/casting methods to support fabricate high power density MEA.

Ongoing research: (i) Nanostructured Organic Catalyst for Polymer Exhange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC). (ii) Development of High Current Density Membrane Electrode Assembly for Fuel Cell Portable Power Application. (iii) Synthesis of Nafion- Zirconia composite membrane for PEMFC. (iv) Development of solid acid materials as electrolyte for PEMFC applications. (v) Nanostructure membrane for direct methanol fuel cell. (vi) Development of Biopolymer Membrane Based on Cellulose/Chitosan for Fuel Cell Application and (vii) Graphene based Electrocatalyst for Fuel Cell Applications.

RESEARCH TEAM

Prof. Dr. Abu Bakar Mohamad – Group Leader
Prof. Dato’ Ir. Dr. Wan Ramli Wan Daud
Prof. Dr. Abdul Amir H. Kadhum
Dr. Loh Kee Shyuan
Dr. Edy Herianto Majlan
Dr. Mohd Shahbudin Mastar @ Masdar

AWARDS

MEA Fabrication for Fuel Cell using Novel Casting Machine, Malaysian Technology Expo 2010, Silver Medal.
MEA Fabrication for Fuel Cell using Novel Casting Machine, 20^th International Invention, Innovation & Technology Exhibition (ITEX) 2009, Bronze Medal.
Hybrid Nafion/SiO₂/ PWA for Medium Temperature, Low Relative Humidity of PEMFC, Malaysian Technology Expo (MTE) 2008, Silver Medal.
LESTARI 5000TM Fuel Cell Generator, Eureka World Exhibition of Innovation, Research and New Technologies 2007, Brussels, Belgium, Gold Medal.
Solar Wind Hybrid Hydrogen Energy Production System for Remote Islands, Eureka World Exhibition of Innovation, Research and New Technologies 2007, Brussels, Belgium, Gold Medal.