Sensors and Electron Devices Directorate Research Areas

Fuel Cell Research

Advisor: Gilman, Sol  (sol.gilman@us.army.mil    301-394-0339)
Keywords: Electrochemistry; Electrochemical oxidation

Fuel cells are highly relevant to the Army’s need for high-energy portable power sources. Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells utilizing hydrogen or liquid fuel (e.g., methanol) appear to be appropriate for most applications; however, other fuel cell technologies are also of interest.

We want to improve membranes for PEM fuel cells because current membranes are subject to dehydration and rapid permeation by methanol. Appropriate research activities include synthesis of new resins, preparation of membranes and composite membranes, and determination of physicochemical properties of membranes.

We also want to improve electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation and oxygen reduction. Research activities may include formulation and evaluation of new electrocatalyst materials, and the study of mechanisms of electro-oxidation of methanol and other carbonaceous fuels.

A final topic of interest concerns production of hydrogen from a more conventional primary fuel. Research activities may include development of lower temperature catalysts for reforming liquid fuels.