Fuel cells future research issues

The cell and stacks that compose the power section have been discussed extensively in the previous sections of this handbook. Section 9.1 addresses system processes such as fuel processors, rejected heat utilization, the power conditioner, and equipment performance guidelines. System optimization issues are addressed in Section 9.2. System design examples for present day and future applications are presented in Sections 9.3 and 9.4 respectively. Section 9.5 discusses research and development areas that are required for the future system designs to be developed. Section 9.5 presents some advanced fuel cell network designs, and Section 9.6 introduces hybrid systems that combine fuel cells with other generating technologies in integrated systems. 

The long-term stability of Pd-based electrocatalysts is one of the unavoidable issues for PEM fuel cell applications. Pd-Pt-based ORR catalysts are more stable than Pd-transition metal alloys under harsh fuel cell conditions, but may still not meet the long-term fuel cell operation requirement due to the Pd leaching out. Future research may focus on improving the durability of Pd-based catalysts by surface modification and composition optimization. Core-shell type of catalyst with Pd-based materials as the core and Pt as the shell may be one of the most promising candidates to be used in the automotive fuel cell due to its low Pt content and high activity and stability. 

The book covers the nature, sources, and electrochemistry of contaminants their effects on fuel cell performance and lifetime and the mechanisms of contamination. Exploring the major findings from experimental and theoretical studies in contamination-related research, the expert contributors present methods and tools used for diagnosing various contamination phenomena, along with strategies for mitigating the adverse effects of contamination. They also describe key issues in the future R D of fuel cell contamination and control. 

Abstract Whereas much attention has been paid to the environmental aspects of the life cycle of fuel cell fuel production, emphasis is placed on fuel cell hardware and materials recovery, including component reuse, remanufacturing, materials recycling and energy recovery for fuel cell maintenance and retirement processes. Fuel cell hardware recycling is described and issues related to the recycling infrastructure and the compatibihty of fuel cell hardware and materials are discussed. The role of materials selection and recovery in the fuel cell hfe cycle is described. Future trends for fuel cells centered on voluntary and mandatory recovery and the movement of life cycle considerations from computational research laboratories to design complete the discussion. 

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