Technological Progress and New Scientific Insights

Recent improvements in material performance and durability and a better understanding of system operation have pushed fuel cells closer to commercialization. Technological progress is being made for low and moderate temperature proton conducting and alkaline fuel cells. Experimental and theoretical modeling work on membranes and electrodes have produced exciting results. Projected fuel cell component costs have never been lower and are continuing to fall. At the same time, new applications outside of the transportation and portable power sectors are attracting increased attention, such as regenerative fuel cells for renewable energy storage and load-leveling on the grid. At this GRC, an international group of scientists and engineers from industry, academia, and national laboratories will present talks and posters that focus on cutting edge developments in fuel cell research with regards to membranes, catalytic materials and electrode architectures, modeling studies, system designs, and applications. Attendees will be engaged in constructive discussions and scientific exchanges that will stimulate new ideas and facilitate new collaborations.