Research Description

Proton exchange menbrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are a promising technology for multiple power applications due to their high energy conversion efficiency, low temperature operation, power density, and the high energy content of the fuels used.  An essential part of PEMFCs are the flow-field plates (FFP) which serve the dual purposes of collecting current from and distributing reactants across the electrodes. The FFPs are the fuel cell stack's primary source of weight and volume, as well as a significant cost factor, so innovative new FFP approaches can make PEMFCs even more attractive. Furthermore, novel FFP designs and employment strategies can reduce the need for balance of plant components, thereby simplifying and reducing the cost of PEMFCs. Innovative solutions are required to maximize power density and simplify system integration in order to meet the demands of compact design and cost reduction.  The complex interplay of heat and mass transport, electric current flow, and materials makes this an interesting and fruitful research opportunity.

Our group is engaged in multi-year programs to develop new fuel cell designs through foundational materials research, laboratory experiments, and simulation.  The goals are to decrease cost over state-of-the art (SOA) small fuel cells (0.5-5 kW) while retaining or improving current performance.

The current program includes efforts to:

• Build the foundational knowledge to relate additive manufacturing parameters (materials, layering, assembly process, etc.) to catalyst layer structure and performance.
• Elucidate the optimal catalyst layer structure for a planar array of cells generally and traditional cell stack in high power density applications.
• Simulate fuel cell fuild dynamics and heat transfer to illuminate the optimal cell geometry.  Such simulations may require the development of new approaches and techniques.
• Design and synthesize a single test cell that can to match status quo stack performance, but with lateral current collection.
• Design and fabricate a 2-cell prototype fuel cell array using novel materials and structures to achieve low cost.
• Develop innovative cell topologies and materials to reduce the need for balance of plant components to support PEMFCs.

These are not theoretical studies; results are verified by experiments and building prototypes.  We are seeking applicants for postdoctoral positions who would like to work on these or similar research topics. Qualified candidates will:

• have a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a similar technical field
• be a US citizen or permanent resident, and
• be proficient in one or more of relevant electrochemical methods (e.g. I-V curves, EIS), PEMFC MEA fabrication, CAD drawing (SolidWorks), characterization techniques (e.g. SEM, XRD), and/or physical simulation.

NRL Alternative Energy Section

The NRL Alternative Energy Section conducts scientific and engineering research to improve the energy efficiency, resilience, and capabilities of the US Navy.  In we generally focus on electrochemical devices such as fuel cells and batteries, hybrid systems for vehicles and microgrids, and software for energy-focused mission planning and design optimization.  We are vertically integrated with efforts ranging from laboratory studies to the development of full scale prototype systems.  Many of our programs include collaborations with academic, government, and industrial organizations.  Key competencies include electrochemistry, controls, optimization, simulation, and prototype development. 

key words

hydrogen; fuel cell; simulation; component; system; heat transport; mass transport; electrochemistry; materials; model

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants