| Project Detail |
Project Innovation + Advantages: Ecolectro is developing alkaline exchange ionomers (AEIs) to enable low-cost fuel cell and electrolyzer technologies. Ecolectros AEIs will be resilient to the harsh operating conditions present in existing alkaline exchange membrane devices that prevent their widespread adoption in commercial applications. This technology will be simple, cost effective, and well suited to large-scale processing. Further, membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) featuring Ecolectros AEIs will demonstrate comparable durability and improved efficiency over existing state-of-the-art proton exchange membranes without the need in platinum group metals. Potential Impact: This project will potentially reduce the cost of fuel cell and electrolysis stack production by 40%. Widespread adoption of hydrogen technologies enabled by this outcome will: Security: Increase the diversity of renewable fuels, including energy-dense liquid fuels, bolstering energy security Environment: Reduce emissions by developing cleaner fuels and higher efficiency fuel use (fuel cells vs. internal combustion technologies) Economy: Ensure the USA maintains a leading position in the $1.3B membrane electrode assembly (MEA) hydrogen fuel cell market. Fuel cell and electrolyzer original equipment manufacturers will benefit from lower components cost and more durable MEA materials. |
