LEMTA is proud to have been awarded 4 grants under the ANR 2023 generic call for projects: 3 Collaborative Research Projects (PRC) and 1 Young Researchers Project (JCJC).
3/4 Focus on the DURACELL CRP project
Defining the optimum mechanical properties of cell core interfaces for the durability of PEM fuel cells
(Sustainable, clean, safe and efficient energy)
The project’s challenge is to improve the durability of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC).
Despite major R&D efforts and investments in recent years, the use of PEMFCs is still limited. One of the main obstacles to large-scale deployment – particularly in the transport industry – is the lifespan of PEMFCs. Battery cores are subject to complex and variable mechanical stresses depending on operating conditions, which can lead to damage to components, resulting in a loss of performance or even system shutdown. The mechanisms of core degradation are becoming better known and continue to be studied to improve understanding. However, the study of these degradation mechanisms – mainly mechanical and/or chemical stresses – is carried out using approaches that target one element (membrane, electrode or gas diffusion layer) and one type of stress (mechanical or chemical). However, it is also important to take into account the interfaces in the cell core and the synergy of mechanical and chemical degradation mechanisms.
The originality of DURACELL lies in its objective of focusing on the influence of the interfacial mechanical properties of MEAs on the durability of PEMFCs. The various tests envisaged will provide a better understanding of the synergies of the mechanical/chemical mechanisms that occur at the membrane/electrode/gas diffusion layer interfaces.
This project will be carried out by a consortium of three laboratories with complementary expertise and equipment: LEMTA, SYMME and LEPMI, the project coordinator.
At LEMTA, it is led by Assma EL KADDOURI – Hydrogen and electrochemical systems team.
Total funding: 772 k€ > 330 k€ for LEMTA | Duration: 48 months