Abstract
High Platinum loading levels in fuel cells may ensure better durability and catalytic activity but it increases the cost of fuel cells, thereby hindering large-scale commercialization. The use of non-precious catalysts may seem like a lucrative solution, but they cannot substitute platinum completely. Hence, the focus should also be given to alternate fabrication methods of the catalyst layer that will achieve ultra-low platinum loadings. Some of the methods are modified thin film method, electro deposition, sputter deposition method, dual ion beam assisted deposition, and electroless deposition. Nano carbons as catalyst support can also be given priority as they aid the catalyst with mechanical properties. Each method is compared reflecting the inherent advantages and disadvantages. Finally, the sputter deposition method was chosen as the most promising method at the current state of technology and research. A CFD simulation of a fuel cell using sputter deposition method was performed which showed high power utilization thereby validating the benefits of the method.
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE
Parthasarathy Rajesh Kanna is a Professor in the CO2 Research and Green Technologies Research centre, Vellore Institute of Technology Vellore, India. He received his PhD from Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, India in 2006 and Masters from Bharathiar University, India (2000). He has co-authored more than 90 international publications includes refereed journals and conferences. He received his D.Sc degree from Cracow University of Technology, Poland (2015). His research interest includes fluid dynamics, heat transfer, CO2 Refrigeration and Green Energy technologies etc.