WxC thin films supports for Cathode Catalysts in Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

dc.contributor.authorElmquist, Elias
dc.contributor.departmentChalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för fysiksv
dc.contributor.departmentChalmers University of Technology / Department of Physicsen
dc.contributor.examinerWickman, Björn
dc.contributor.supervisorMontserrat Siso, Gerard
dc.date.accessioned2023-06-20T08:38:20Z
dc.date.available2023-06-20T08:38:20Z
dc.date.issued2022
dc.date.submitted2023
dc.description.abstractThe prospect of a CO2 emission free hydrogen energy system requires the develop ment of effective and inexpensive fuel cell catalysts from abundant resources. One promising path forward is the development of anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFC). Thanks to their alkaline environment, they are more flexible regarding catalyst material, thus potentially reducing their cost compared to current fuel cell technology. In this study, WxC thin films are evaluated as support for different catalytic mate rials with the aim to reduce catalyst loading and increase specific current density. Using sputtering and physical vapour deposition, thin films with high uniformity and high control over composition can be fabricated. Through rotating disk electrode techniques, the oxygen reduction reaction activity of these thin film electrocatysts is measured in alkaline media. Tested catalystic thin films are Pt, Pd, Cu and Ag. Pt and Pd show good onset potential and an improved mass activity compared to Pt. Cu and Ag evaporated on WxC exhibit less ORR activity in alkaline media. The results also indicate that WxC improves the stability of very thin Pt layers with respect to cycle-life compared to Pt. This suggests a possible further reduction of catalytic material is on the horizon.
dc.identifier.coursecodeTIFX05
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12380/306313
dc.language.isoeng
dc.setspec.uppsokPhysicsChemistryMaths
dc.subjectAnion exchange membrane fuel cells, AEMFC, Tungsten carbide, WxC
dc.titleWxC thin films supports for Cathode Catalysts in Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
dc.type.degreeExamensarbete för masterexamensv
dc.type.degreeMaster's Thesisen
dc.type.uppsokH
local.programmePhysics (MPPHS), MSc
Ladda ner
Original bundle
Visar 1 - 1 av 1
Hämtar...
Bild (thumbnail)
Namn:
Master_Thesis_ fixed_2022_11_25.pdf
Storlek:
10.42 MB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Beskrivning:
License bundle
Visar 1 - 1 av 1
Hämtar...
Bild (thumbnail)
Namn:
license.txt
Storlek:
2.35 KB
Format:
Item-specific license agreed upon to submission
Beskrivning: