EIC Pathfinder - PTFE free GDLs

Important results from the project

The project has created a project consortium around a project that aims to replace PTFE with bio-based graphene in gas diffusion layers in fuel cells. The project consortium turned out great and covers the entire value chain and includes partners from academia and research institutes. The consortium has jointly written a strong proposal for this project and submitted it to EIC Path Finder Open. This is an important step towards phasing out PFAS in sustainable and future-proof material solutions.

Expected long term effects

PFAS chemicals are found in a wide variety of applications and will eventually need to be replaced wherever they are used. This project is a first step towards using graphene as a sustainable alternative. In the long term, this can help reduce the global environmental impact, improve public health and drive new technologies. It is a large and growing market that can create new jobs and strengthen Sweden´s and Europe´s position in green innovation and materials development.

Approach and implementation

The project had three main phases. A preparation phase where a basic description of the planned project was done by Bright Day Graphene, a consortium phase where a list of desired project partners was developed and contacted, and a writing phase where the consortium jointly wrote a proposal and agreed on a budget. It took more time than planned to create the consortium, but it also became a bigger and better consortium than we expected.