Ballard receives follow-on order from Nisshinbo for development of fuel cell catalyst; targeting 70% reduction in platinum loading
21 January 2016
Ballard Power Systems has received a follow-on purchase order from Nisshinbo Holdings Inc. for a further phase of a Technology Solutions program related to the development of a breakthrough catalyst technology intended to reduce the cost of certain proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. The program, now entering its seventh phase, has been underway for approximately 2.5 years. (Earlier post.)
In a PEM fuel cell, the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is formed by placing a catalyst coated membrane between two flow field plates. When hydrogen gas flows across one side of the MEA and oxygen moves across the other side an electrochemical (non-combustion) reaction occurs, splitting hydrogen into protons and electrons. The electrons are captured as electricity. Combining fuel cells together to form multi-layer stacks increases the amount of electricity that can be produced.
The amount of platinum catalyst coating material used in a fuel cell has been successfully reduced over time. Ballard and Nisshinbo are working to develop a new PEM fuel cell catalyst technology that, on implementation, is intended to further reduce the cost of component parts used in Ballard’s air-cooled fuel cell stacks.
Through this multi-year research and development collaboration with Nisshinbo, we have made measured progress toward a reduction in platinum loadings for air-cooled fuel cell stacks. These stacks are the key fuel cell technology that generates power for use in a number of market applications. Ballard remains at the forefront of PEM fuel cell innovation, developing breakthrough technologies that make PEM fuel cells higher performing and lower cost. We expect this program to reduce the amount of platinum by more than 70%.
—Dr. Kevin Colbow, Ballard’s Vice President – Technology Solutions
Nisshinbo provides low-carbon, optimized products across a range of business lines, including chemicals, precision instruments, electronics, automotive brakes, textiles and paper. Nisshinbo has been a long-time leading global supplier of carbon plates used in the construction of PEM fuel cells for various market applications.
Nisshinbo has supplied compression molded bipolar flow field carbon plates to Ballard for 20 years and, in November 2015, also became a strategic investor through a purchase of $5 million of Ballard common shares. (Earlier post.)
Platinum reduction has been done on the cathode, but the anode still needs it. With a smaller stack and more batteries a PFCEV can use less platinum.
Posted by: SJC | 21 January 2016 at 01:03 PM
Near future PEMs may not use platinum and further reduce FCs cost while increasing performances?
Posted by: HarveyD | 21 January 2016 at 02:19 PM