Date of Award

1-1-2011

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

College/School/Department

Department of Nanoscale Science and Engineering

Program

Nanoscale Engineering

Content Description

1 online resource (xvi, 201 pages) : illustrations (some color)

Dissertation/Thesis Chair

Pradeep Haldar

Committee Members

Hassaram Bakhru, Michael Carpenter, Wenzhen Li, Manisha Rane-Fondecaro

Keywords

Catalyst support corrosion, Electrocatalyst, Electrochemistry, Hydrogen Fuel Cells, Titanium nitride nanoparticles, Proton exchange membrane fuel cells, Catalysts, Catalyst supports, Titanium nitride

Subject Categories

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology | Oil, Gas, and Energy | Physical Chemistry

Abstract

The impending energy and climatic crisis makes it imperative for human society to seek non-fossil based alternative sources for our energy needs. Although many alternative energy technologies are currently being developed, fuel cell technology provides energy solutions, which satisfy a wide range of applications. But the current fuel cell technology is far from its target of large scale commercialization mainly because of its high cost and poor durability. Considerable work has been done in reducing the cost but its durability still needs significant improvement. Of the various materials in a PEM fuel cell, the degradation of electrocatalyst affects its durability the most, leading to performance loss. Carbon black (C) support corrosion plays a significant role in the electrocatalyst degradation and its severe affects due to potential cycling has been identified through my research.

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