Joshua Snyder, PhD
, associate professor of
chemical and biological engineering
, is co-PI on a new Department of Energy (DOE)-funded research project aimed
at making fuel cells more efficient, durable, and affordable. The
initiative, led by the University of California, Irvine (UCI), brings
together researchers from Drexel, Cabot Corporation, and Bosch Research
Technology Center North America to improve the manufacturing of fuel cell
membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) — a key component that allows fuel
cells to generate clean energy.
Fuel cells hold immense potential as a clean energy solution, but their
widespread adoption has been hindered by cost, durability, and manufacturing
challenges. This project will address those barriers by developing
high-precision nanoparticle catalysts that use less platinum – one of the
most-used catalysts – while maintaining high energy conversion efficiency.
Advanced carbon-based support materials will improve stability, preventing
the degradation that reduces a fuel cell’s lifespan. Additionally,
modifications at the molecular level will enhance how catalysts interact
with surrounding materials, leading to better overall performance.
Beyond improving materials, the team is focused on scaling production. New
methods for integrating catalyst and electrode components will ensure they
perform under real-world conditions while remaining cost-effective for
large-scale manufacturing. Sustainability is also a priority — researchers
will design MEAs with recyclability in mind, allowing membranes and catalyst
layers to be repurposed rather than discarded.
“This project is about pushing fuel cell technology forward in a way that
makes it more practical and scalable,” said Dr. Snyder. “By improving how
these systems are built and how their components interact at the atomic
level, we’re working to create more efficient and cost-effective fuel cells
that can power everything from trucks to industrial machinery.”
The research team will explore advanced techniques to enhance fuel cell
efficiency, including refining how catalyst particles are structured,
improving the stability of supporting materials, and developing methods for
recycling key components. These improvements will help make fuel cells more
viable for applications like electric vehicles and industrial power systems.
This effort aligns closely with the DOE’s Million Mile Fuel Cell Truck
(M2FCT) Consortia, leveraging national research facilities to test and
refine new technologies. The insights gained from this work could
significantly impact the development of next-generation fuel cells, helping
to reduce carbon emissions and support a more sustainable energy future.