SP3 and the Hydrogen Economy
Introduction
Figure 1. A helicon plasma used for materials processing.
The Space Plasma Power and Propulsion (SP3) group has been at the forefront of plasma physics and materials processing for more than two decades. SP3 has played a significant role in the semiconductor industry in developing new high-density plasma sources and their application to innovative thin film deposition. Currently, SP3 are bringing the 1970's microelectronic revolution to the hydrogen economy sector.
Since 2004 SP3 has been developing a new generation of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. We are applying our expertise in plasma physics, plasma chemistry and materials processing to the manufacturing of efficient PEM fuel cells based around plasma processing techniques. In comparison to typical wet chemical processing of materials plasma processes are clean, dry and efficient. Several plasma processing techniques are being utilized to make fuel cells a more viable alternative energy source for the future. In fuel cells platinum plays a crucial role — but makes fuel cells very expensive. It has been shown that the amount of precious metals used for the catalyst (such as platinum) in PEM fuel cells can be significantly reduced using plasma-sputter deposition while at the same time increasing the fuel cell efficiency. Furthermore, we are implementing a plasma discharge to synthesize the plasma polymer membranes that are thin, dense and highly cross-linked.
Plasma processing at SP3 for fuel cell technology
SP3 publication and presentations
Fuel Cell related PhD projects
Background Information
The Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC)
Fuel Cell Background Information
Contact :
Prof. Rod Boswell, email:rod.boswell@anu.edu.au, phone: +61261253442
Dr. Cormac Corr, email: cormac.corr@anu.edu.au, phone: +61261252828
