Efficient PEM fuel cells for portable applications

Supervisors: Professor Mohamed Pourkashanian, Professor Lin Ma, Dr Kevin Hughes.

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are an efficient technology which can be used in a wide portable, automotive and stationary applications. Due to its simplicity and relatively high efficiency, the use of the air-breathing PEM fuel cells, where oxygen is directly supplied to the fuel cell from the ambient, to power small electronic devices such as smartphones and notebooks is appealing. In such applications, such types of fuel cells could either replace the rechargeable batteries or charge them.

The main objective of this project is to enhance the efficiency and the cost-effectiveness of the air-breathing fuel cells through employing new designs and materials. The project could involve building a prototype of the fuel cell system that powers a small electronic device and/or producing a mathematical/CFD model.

For further information contact Professor Derek B Ingham (d.ingham@sheffield.ac.uk).