PEM Fuel Cells

PEM fuel cells have the benefits of quick start-up and relatively low temperature operation, which make them the most likely candidates for use in automobile and home applications. In order for these fuel cells to achieve widespread adoption a number of engineering challenges must be overcome. Two of these challenges, the even distribution of hydrogen and air across the membrane and the need for active cooling of the fuel cell, are being addressed by the PEM fuel cell research at ESC. A prototype of a novel fuel cell design has been built and preliminary testing has yielded promising results.

In conjunction with the electrolysis development, research is also ongoing into the use of non-platinum catalysts.