Next Generation Components for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells
Project Director: Dr. Mihaela FLOREA
Project title: Next Generation Components for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells
Acronym: NEXT-PEMFC project
Period: 01.01.2026- 31.12.2028
Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells (FCs) as zero CO2 emitting power sources are among the most promising technologies for achieving carbon neutrality and meeting carbon reduction targets. However, the technical indicators for transportation power sources set by the EU with the ultimate goal of becoming the first climate-neutral continent by 2050 (https://www.clean-hydrogen.europa.eu/about-us/keydocuments/strategic-research-and-innovation-agenda_en) are hard to achieve using current FC technologies. The performance, durability, weight, and price depend heavily on the FC key components, such as electrocatalysts, membrane-electrode assemblies (MEAs), and bipolar/flow field plates (BPPs). Therefore, this proposal will develop an integrated solution for the next-generation components of PEMFCs toward achieving EU targets. The highly complementary consortium, bringing together experts in materials science, electrochemistry, engineering, and system integration, will ensure a multidisciplinary, innovative approach to accomplish the main goal of the proposal.
OBJECTIVES
The NEXT−PEMFC project will focus on the design, development, and optimization of key components of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells (FC) with a specific emphasis on:
• Advanced electrocatalyst materials to reduce the use of critical raw materials (CRMs), especially Pt.
• Lighter and more durable metal bipolar plates with high corrosion-resistant coatings.
• Innovative thinner and/or PFS-free membrane designs for performance and safety.
• Stack integration and optimization for improved efficiency and performance.
The proposal is based on bringing together diverse backgrounds of the partners and creating a synergy between self-experiences to be applied to the development of novel PEMFC components. We believe that transnational cooperation of research units highly specialized in different aspects of the proposed work is the key to success. The consortium was built to go far because we are TOGETHER. In this way the consortium will provide solutions to our common problem: the clean energy transition and contribute to the goal of climate neutrality by 2050 and will generate critical mass and building structure for further cooperation and territorial cohesion.
Partners of the NEXT−PEMFC consortium:
Partner 1 (P1) National Institute of Materials Physics NIMP Romania (Coordinator)
Partner 2 (P2) H2Energy Turkey (https://h2energy.com.tr/hakkimizda/)
Partner 3 (P3) Istanbul Technical University ITU Turkey
(https://akademi.itu.edu.tr/syazici/Mehmet-Suha-Yaz%C4%B1c%C4%B1)
Partner 4 (P4) HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences RCNS Hungary
(https://www.ttk.hun-ren.hu/en)
Partner 5 (P5) ASSOCIATION INFORMART AIART Romania
Email: mihaela.florea@infim.ro
PROJECTS/ PROIECTE INTERNATIONALE
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