Imagine the heart of a hydrogen truck as a sandwich of special layers. This project redesigns those layers so they don't wear out as quickly and cost less to make. It's like upgrading a battery to last much longer while using fewer expensive precious metals.
Heavy-duty fuel cells are currently too expensive and don't last long enough for commercial trucking. High platinum costs and rapid degradation of membrane electrode assemblies increase the total cost of ownership.
Developed high-performance MEAs featuring intermetallic electrocatalysts, modified carbon supports, and a low-cost single-layer gas diffusion layer.
If you are a truck manufacturer dealing with high fuel cell replacement costs — this project developed MEAs that target a 20,000h lifetime. This ensures vehicles stay on the road longer with fewer maintenance stops.
If you are a chemical company dealing with high platinum costs — this project developed intermetallic electrocatalysts that aim for 0.3 g Pt/kW or below. This reduces the amount of expensive raw materials needed per unit.
If you are a component supplier dealing with complex multi-layer manufacturing — this project developed a new, lower cost single-layer gas diffusion layer. This simplifies the production process and lowers the bill of materials.
It targets cost reduction through the development of a lower cost single-layer gas diffusion layer and by reducing platinum loading to 0.3 g Pt/kW or below.
The project involves a European supply chain of materials and components producers and an OEM stack developer, validating components at the cell and short stack level.
Based on available project data, the project has developed novel intermetallic electrocatalysts and modified carbon supports with improved stability and activity.
The project aims to meet a lifetime target of 20,000h for heavy-duty vehicle applications.
The components are designed in tandem to ensure compatibility and lowest interface resistance, specifically tuned to bipolar plate flow-field geometry.
The consortium is heavily industry-driven with a 69% industry ratio, comprising 13 partners across 5 countries. The presence of 9 industrial partners, including 2 SMEs and an OEM stack developer, indicates a strong focus on commercial viability and supply chain integration rather than pure academic research.
Contact CNRS (France) for technical specifications on MEA durability.
Contact SciTransfer to connect with the HIGHLANDER consortium for licensing opportunities.
