You are here

Inexpensive, High Performance Fuel Cell Electrodes and Batteries Made from Cellular Coal

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-FG02-00ER83112
Agency Tracking Number: 60443B00-II
Amount: $750,000.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 2001
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
The Millennium Centre R.D. 1, Box 100B
Triadelphia, WV 26059
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Darren Rogers
 Principal Investigator
 (304) 547-5800
 dkr@trl.com
Business Contact
 Brian Joseph
Title: President
Phone: (304) 547-5800
Email: bej@trl.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

60443 High-performance batteries and fuel cells can lessen the nation¿s dependence on combustion engines, reduce vehicular emission, and positively impact the electronics market. However, the implementation of many of these technologies is hindered by the material performance of components. For example, a common requirement of fuel cells and high-performance batteries is efficient, consistent performance from the electrode over its life. This project will demonstrate the viability of transforming inexpensive coal derivatives into a tailorable porous electrode. Such a component would reduce cost and weight and increase the performance and service life of fuel cells and batteries. In Phase I, it was found that certain coal-based carbon foams had attractive electrochemical properties. In Phase II, practical fuel cell and battery systems will be selected and coal-based foams will be designed to meet their requirements. The design includes tailoring the foam cell size, connectivity, surface area, and surface chemistry. Fuel cell and battery manufacturers will be recruited to produce and test prototypes fabricated from coal-based porous electrodes, analyze performance benefits, and guide further refinement of the electrode specifications. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Coal-based carbon foam electrodes should improve the performance and reduce the cost of fuel cells and of carbon-zinc batteries, zinc-air batteries and lithium-ion batteries.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

US Flag An Official Website of the United States Government