The 2007 Gordon Research Conference - Fuel Cells focuses on polymer electrolyte fuel cells, particularly those being developed for transportation applications although there is significant crossover with those being developed for stationary and portable applications. In recent years polymer electrolyte fuel cells have seen tremendous research efforts and significant progress in development of novel materials and elucidation of degradation mechanisms. Still, commercially viable fuel cells in most applications will require further advances and possibly breakthroughs. It is the purpose of this conference to investigate the science and fundamental nature of materials that will be required for these advances and breakthroughs.

While every major auto manufacturer has demonstrated prototype vehicles based on this technology, cost, durability and performance remain issues. In recent years this has led to increased investigation into durability losses and mechanisms, and this will remain a central theme of the conference. Beyond durability, breakthroughs in cost and performance will likely require deeper understanding of the fundamental science that drives these processes, another focus of this conference. Finally, novel characterization techniques that can accelerate the development of this technology will also be presented.

There are many components of fuel cells and many system/engineering solutions that can be employed to overcome current material shortcomings. The conference will explore these issues, but focus on specific components and issues that are perceived as being the most critical for reaching commercial barriers (for example: membranes, electrodes, electrocatalysis and water management related concerns). Issues such as bipolar plates and stack design are traditionally proprietary and beyond the scope of this conference, except in how they interact with the single cell components.