Sustainable noble-metal free fuel cell catalysts for automotive heavy-duty applications

Important results from the project

It can be concluded that the project goals were met. It explored Celcibus´s non-PGM catalyst technology for heavy duty vehicle applications. Improved during this project, the catalyst is not yet fulfilling the requirements for automotive propulsion systems, but more suitable for auxiliary power units for heavy duty vehicle applications. The project has made an impact on future choices by giving Celcibus a new direction/strategy to further develop the non-PGM catalyst and their application.

Expected long term effects

The non-PGM catalyst fuel cells in the product form could enable fuel cells for new market, and thereby contributing to the sustainable energy systems.

Approach and implementation

Test protocols for evaluating Celcibus non-PGM MEAs were developed and agreed by both parties. Tests at smaller area samples at Celcibus comparing different loadings showed improved initial performance and durability, indicating on the roadmap to further enhance their capability. Volvo’s large area testing of the MEAs demonstrates that scaling up of the non-PGM samples from lab scale to real-world sizes is feasible, keeping the performance and durability intact.