Several aspects must be considered when attempting to design a fuel cell that will perform well and show durability without being expensive. This project focused on the membrane, gas-diffusion, and catalyst layers of the MEA, and improvements that could be made to both the process and parameters of its design and fabrication. By first understanding the main aspects of MEA performance and fabrication, several factors were decided upon to investigate further from among the wide range of possible experimental variables. In order to rationalize this, a theoretical model proposed by Thampan et al, of MEA performance was considered. A literature review was also preformed to guide the experimental phase of the project and to gain knowledge of current research being done on the relevant topics.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Van Oudenaren, Sarah Alison
• Slifka, Colin
• Khatri-Chhetri, Deep

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-010808-141821

Advisor

• Datta, Ravindra

Year

• 2008

Date created

• 2008-01-08

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Chemical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright