Electrode systems for low-temperature fuel cells based on nitroxyl catalyst with molecular redox mediators

Grant Number: 20-33-51007
Funding agency: RFBR
Years: 2020–2022

The project, led by Dr. O. V. Levin (professor of the Department of Electrochemistry), is devoted to the development of new membrane-electrode systems for fuel cells. Fuel cells are considered one of the most promising technologies of electrochemical energy, theoretically allowing to achieve energy density comparable with internal combustion engines. Nevertheless, the slow kinetics of electrode and, first of all, cathode processes underlying this technology determine their low specific power and lead to the necessity of using expensive Pt-based catalysts or high operating zone temperatures. In this regard, an urgent task, the solution of which can determine the commercialization of low-temperature fuel cells, is the creation of active, cheap and reliable cathodic oxygen reduction systems.

This project proposes a new type of membrane-catalytic system for low-temperature fuel cell cathodes consisting of an electrode modified with nitroxyl groups, an electrolyte with anionic redox mediators of oxygen electroreduction reaction and a proton exchange membrane that selectively blocks the redox mediators from entering the anode space. The proposed system is based on known chemical principles, which makes the goal of the project achievable. The configuration of the membrane-electrode unit containing a nitroxyl-modified cathode and a conjugated solution redox-mediator is proposed for the first time. It is expected that the project will result in a working prototype of the original membrane-catalytic unit for the cathode of low-temperature fuel cells, its power properties will be established, and the catalytic efficiency and stability of operation will be evaluated. Based on the data obtained, a conclusion will be made about the possibility of commercializing the developed novel technology.

As part of the project, the Talent and Success Foundation and STI Sirius will hold lectures and master classes on preparing and testing electrode materials, studying the kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction, and constructing membrane electrode units for fuel cell.