I/UCRC for Fuel Cell Research - Planning Grant

University South Carolina Research Foundation, Columbia SC

Investigators

Abstract

This planing grant plans to expand the research on Fuel Cells by creating an NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Fuel Cell Research. This center builds on the strength of electrochemical engineering in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of South Carolina. The center provides an opportunity to focus research, nationally and perhaps internationally, to benefit commercialization of an environmentally friendly technology with a $10 billion US economic potential. The vision for the Center is to be recognized internationally for developing mathematical models useful for PEMFC design; producing experimental data and techniques that provide an understanding of PEMFC stack performance; studying hydrogen storage materials, devices, and their interface with PEMFCs; and developing new catalysts development for reforming hydrogen from hydrocarbon fuels and the oxygen electrode.