研究期間：10108~10207;Fuel cell technologies have advanced greatly in recent years. However, the catalyst utilization rate is still low, mainly due to the random structure of the catalyst layer. Catalysts may fall into larger holes, where lacks electron conduction path, and therefore renders the isolates catalysts useless. Because platinum is expensive nowadays, the low utilization rate of Pt catalyst increases the cost of fuel cells considerably. Ordered nano-porous carbons have high specific surface area and good stability. They can provide electron conduction path through the ordered continuous structure. They are therefore suitable for use as the catalyst support, and potentially be able to increase the catalyst utilization rate. The main focus of the first year of this three year proposal is to establish an efficient process of preparing ordered nano-porous carbon. Effects of carbon precursor and process parameters on the microstructure and physical properties will be investigated. In the second year, we will use the ordered nano-porous carbon obtained from the first year as the catalyst support. Various analytical methods will be used to investigate the effects of important parameters, such as particle size, catalytic activity, and stability. In the final year, results obtained from the first two years will be used to assemble single fuel cells. Effects of operating conditions, such as cell temperature, extent of humidification, and gas pressure, on the fuel cell performance will be studied.
