Integrating Theory, Synthesis, Characterization and Validation for the Advancement of Fuel Cell Research

Fuel cells are multidisciplinary systems and inherently multi-scale in space and time. Fuel cell technology achievements, and hence the accompanying commercialization advances, have been facilitated via multiple paths, e.g., materials development; the increasing ability to characterize the multi-scale structures; and progressively more comprehensive and insightful modeling approaches. Examples of these include the original discovery of solid state ion exchange membranes, and subsequent improvements that now produce extremely durable and thin membranes; catalyst material synthesis, such as advancements in nanoparticle size and shape control providing unprecedented levels of kinetic activity; and, characterization and modeling, which have enabled us to image, understand, and mitigate critical issues such as water transport and fuel cell durability.

The ongoing objectives to further reduce the cost, and increase power density and durability of fuel cells will rely on integration of these approaches. This GRC will provide an integrated view, with a focus on the most recent advances in theory, synthesis, and characterization of catalyst and membrane materials, including the introduction of machine learning; on recent characterization and numerical modeling tools, such as in operando imaging, and advanced electron and x-ray microscopy; and on imaging to simulation and open-source simulation tools. In keeping with the ideals of the GRC, the program will be built with a view to advance the frontiers of fuel cell technology, both by exposing researchers to alternate disciplines and diverse presenters, and by searching out and including leading edge applications and technology approaches for the use and production of chemical fuels such as hydrogen.